New Delhi:
Golan Heights is once again in discussion. Israel is going to do something in the Golan Heights of Syria, over which Muslim countries are furious. After the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria, Israel has now decided to increase the population in the Golan Heights. About 50 thousand people live in the Israeli-controlled area of ​​the Golan Heights. There are communities of both Jews and Druze in this area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now plans to double the population of this region. The Netanyahu government has approved an investment of 40 million shekels ($11 million). But the Muslim countries of the Gulf have condemned this plan of Israel. After all, why do Israel and Syria fight over the Golan Heights? Defense expert Qamar Aga says that Golan Heights has strategic importance for both Israel and Syria. From here Israel keeps a watch over the whole of Damascus. Therefore Israel wants to strengthen its dominance here.
What is Gola Heights?
The Golan Heights is a mountainous area located in south-western Syria. Syria’s capital Damascus is clearly visible from this hill. Both Israel and Syria know that this area is very important politically and strategically. Therefore, Syria wants to take this area back from Israel. Let us tell you that Israel had captured the Golan Heights after a six-day war with Syria in 1967. Since then this part of Golan Heights remains with Israel. There are more than 40 Jewish settlements on the Golan Heights, in which about 50,000 people live.
Why are Golan Heights strategically important?
After all, why does the Golan Heights matter so much to Israel? Defense expert Qamar Agha says, ‘Golan Heights is an area from where complete surveillance can be maintained till Damascus. Earlier Israel had occupied half of the Golan Heights, now Israel occupies almost the entire area. Netanyahu wants to double the Jewish population here because this area also acts as a security wall for Israel. After the departure of the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria, there is now talk of the country being divided into three parts. In such a situation, Israel wants to further increase its dominance over this area.
Golan Heights is very beautiful…
Defense expert Qamar Aga says that Golan Heights is a very beautiful area along with strategic importance. Golan is the main source of water in this area, from where the thirst of most of the people of Israel is quenched. Farming also takes place here because the land here is very fertile. Golan is also the only ski resort in Israel, where thousands of tourists come. The rain water in Golan flows into the Jordan River. Israel has turned the direction of this river towards itself. One-third of the water needs of the people of Israel are fulfilled by the water of this river.
Why are Israel and Syria face to face on Golan Heights?
- Israel captured the Golan Heights in 1967, when there was a 6-day war between the two countries for this area.
- After Israel’s occupation, most of the Syrians living here left their homes.
- Syria tried to recapture the Golan Heights during the 1973 Middle East War, but the attempt was not successful.
- After this, in 1974, both the countries implemented ceasefire in the area and the war calmed down.
- Israel now considers the Golan Heights as its own territory and in 1981 Israel had unilaterally announced the annexation of the Golan Heights into its territory. But this recognition was not given to Israel on the international platform.
