Israel Approves $11 Million Plan to Double Population in Golan Heights, Currently Housing Over 25,000 Israelis

Dec 15, 2024, 03:51 PM

The Israeli government has approved a plan to double the population in the Golan Heights, a territory it has occupied since 1967. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, includes expanding Israeli settlements in the region. The government unanimously approved the plan, which is reportedly linked to ongoing security concerns related to Syria and the recent political changes there, particularly following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Netanyahu emphasized that strengthening the Golan Heights is crucial for the state of Israel, stating, "We will continue to hold onto it, develop it, and settle it." The plan allocates over $11 million for the initiative, reflecting Israel's long-term strategy in the contested territory, which currently houses more than 25,000 Israelis across over 30 settlements. The announcement has drawn condemnation from Saudi Arabia, which labeled the expansion as a form of sabotage against Syria.