Israel Plans to Double Settlers in Golan Heights

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a plan to double the population in the annexed Golan Heights amid ongoing tensions with Syria, citing the need to strengthen Israeli control in the region. The Israeli government will invest approximately 40 million shekels ($11 million) to support this demographic shift, despite widespread international condemnation of Israeli settlements as illegal under international law. Netanyahu emphasized that bolstering the Golan is crucial for Israel's security, particularly following the recent upheaval in Syria with the fall of Assad's regime. Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have condemned the plan, viewing it as a violation of Syrian sovereignty and stability. The area currently hosts around 50,000 residents, including Israeli settlers and Druze communities, and Israel has also increased military presence along the border. The international community remains divided, with the U.S. recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, while most countries regard it as occupied Syrian land.