Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his intention to strengthen Israel’s presence on the Golan Heights, a territory he annexed in 1981 and occupied since 1967. This move comes despite international criticism and controversy over its legitimacy.
Netanyahu stated that “strengthening the Golan Heights means strengthening the State of Israel” and vowed to continue holding onto it. He has also claimed that the territory will be part of Israel for eternity, sparking concerns among analysts about his power play and victory narrative.
The Golan Heights is a strategic location in southwestern Syria, comprising a basaltic plateau and a water reserve in a water-stressed region. It was seized by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967 and declared annexed by the Israeli parliament in 1981. However, this decision has been widely criticized as “null and void” by the international community.
Netanyahu’s move is seen as an attempt to assert his power and demonstrate the strategic importance of Israel’s hold on the Golan. This claim has sparked debate over the territory’s status and its implications for regional stability.
The Israeli government has long considered the Golan Heights a bargaining chip in potential peace talks with Syria, but Netanyahu’s recent statements suggest a shift towards annexation. The move is likely to raise concerns among regional powers and could impact ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Source: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/12/25/israel-wants-to-double-the-population-on-the-golan-heights-occupied-since-1967_6736427_4.html