Israel’s government has approved a plan to increase the number of settlers in the illegally occupied Golan Heights shortly after seizing more Syrian territory and following the toppling of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. The plan seeks to double the Israeli population in the Golan Heights, an area occupied by Israel since 1967.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the plan, which allocates more than $11 million to increase the settler population in the Golan Heights. The move comes just weeks before Donald Trump is set to become US president again, who during his first term recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
The approval of the plan has sparked condemnation from Saudi Arabia, accusing Israeli leaders of trying to sabotage Syria’s transition. Netanyahu, however, stated that Israel’s attacks on Syrian sites were to prevent potential threats and terrorist elements near the border.
Despite the illegal occupation of the Golan Heights under international law, Israel has continued its settlement expansion in the area, alongside ongoing discussions with US officials on the situation in Syria and Gaza.
The unilateral decision by Israel to increase settlers in the Golan Heights is seen as an attempt to solidify its occupation and make it permanent, similar to its actions in the West Bank. The move has been controversial, but Netanyahu remains committed to holding onto the territory and continuing settlement activities.
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