What Is The Golan Heights And Why Did Israel Annex It?
The Golan Heights has been illegally occupied by Israel since 1967 after it seized the territory in the Six Day War.
Known for its strategic location bordering Israel, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, the Golan Heights is located in southwestern Syria, about 60 km from Damascus.
It has been illegally occupied by Israel since 1967 after it seized the territory in the Six Day War.
The Israeli-occupied Golan Heights is a crucial source of water for both Israel and Syria as rainwater from its catchment area feeds into the Jordan River, which empties into the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s largest freshwater reservoir.
The Golan Heights supplies 15% of Israel's water.
Syria attempted to regain control of the area in a war in 1973 but failed.
In 1974, Israel and Syria signed an agreement to establish a buffer zone in the area to separate the Israeli-occupied territory from the remaining parts still under Syria’s control and separate their forces.
In December 1981, Israel unilaterally annexed the Golan Heights, a move not recognized by most of the international community, except the US.
The UN Security Council condemned the move in a resolution, declaring it "null and void" and without legal effect.
On Dec. 8, 2024, after Syrian rebels toppled president Bashar al-Assad's regime, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 1974 agreement had ended and seized the buffer zone.
Netanyahu then said on Dec. 10 the Golan Heights will be an “inseparable” part of Israel “forever.”
Israel then annexed more Syrian lands, taking control of the summit of Mount Hermon and other surrounding areas 40 km away from Damascus.
It has launched at least 480 airstrikes on Syria since Dec. 8, targeting military sites and weapons depots.
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