Turkey has condemned Israel’s plan to double the population of the Golan Heights, labeling it an expansionist act amidst growing international concern over Israel’s military activities in Syria post-Assad. Netanyahu insists the move strengthens Israel, while Germany and Egypt also criticized the expansion, emphasizing violations of international law and calling for respect for Syria’s sovereignty.
Turkey has strongly condemned Israel’s initiative to double the population in the occupied Golan Heights, deeming it an effort to expand its territorial claims. This reaction comes amid rising international concerns over Israel’s military activities in Syria, particularly after the collapse of the Assad regime. Israel captured approximately two-thirds of the Golan Heights during the Six-Day War in 1967 and has since maintained a military presence in the region.
Recently, Israel relocated troops and armored units into what was previously an established demilitarized buffer zone. Although Israeli officials have characterized the military maneuvers as temporary, recent declarations suggest a more permanent positioning of forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the plan to increase settlements in the Golan Heights aims to bolster Israel’s presence and security in the area. He stated, “Strengthening the Golan Heights is strengthening the state of Israel.”
In response, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement criticizing the move as a significant step towards continued occupation. The ministry expressed grave concerns, emphasizing that such actions violate the longstanding disengagement agreement of 1974 and could severely undermine stability efforts following the Assad regime’s decline. Under international law, the Golan Heights is recognized as Syrian territory, and the annexation by Israel remains largely unrecognized globally, despite backing from the Trump administration.
Germany also expressed disapproval of Israel’s plans, calling for an abandonment of the settlement expansion and reiterating that the region remains under occupation according to international law. A spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Ministry insisted that during this tumultuous period in Syria, all involved parties must respect Syria’s territorial integrity. Egypt similarly condemned the Israeli government’s decision as a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and integrity. As tensions escalate, Israel has further intensified its military operations, carrying out what appears to be the most extensive strikes along the Syrian coast since 2012.
The Golan Heights have been a point of contention since Israel’s capture of the territory during the 1967 Six-Day War. Despite being internationally recognized as part of Syria, Israel declared the region annexed in 1981, a move that has not been widely accepted by the international community. The strategic importance of the Golan Heights lies in its geographical positioning and resources, particularly concerning military strategy and national security. Following the Syrian civil war and the weakening of the Assad regime, Israel has sought not only to secure its borders but also to expand its settlements in the Golan Heights, drawing international scrutiny and criticism.
In summary, Turkey has condemned Israel’s plan to increase its population in the occupied Golan Heights, viewing it as an expansionist move that contravenes international law. This sentiment is echoed by Germany and Egypt, who have also expressed their objections to the proposed settlement growth. As military actions intensify, the risk of further destabilization in the region increases, raising significant concerns about the long-term implications for Syria’s integrity and peace in the area.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
