Netanyahu's Settlement Plan in the Golan Heights Sparks Outcry
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent approval of a new settlement plan in the Golan Heights has drawn significant backlash from social media users and international observers. The plan, which allocates approximately $11 million for the construction of new settlements, aims to double the number of Israeli settlers in the region. This decision follows a series of Israeli military actions in Syria, including incursions into Syrian territory and the occupation of Mount Hermon.
Netanyahu defended the settlement expansion, asserting that it strengthens Israel's position in the Golan Heights. He emphasized that Israel would continue to formulate its policies based on the realities on the ground, particularly in light of recent military operations aimed at neutralizing threats from Syria. The Golan Heights, occupied by Israel since 1967 and formally annexed in 1981, remains a contentious area, with its status not recognized by the international community except for the United States, which recognized Israeli sovereignty in 2019.
International Reactions and Calls for Action
The approval of the settlement plan has prompted calls for international intervention. Activists on social media have highlighted the need for a binding international decision to halt settlement activities, which they argue violate the sovereignty of Syria. Tweets from various users reflect a consensus that Israel's actions go beyond mere border security and represent an attempt to impose a new reality in the region.
Druze activists in the Golan Heights have been vocal against the settlement expansion, with many engaging in confrontations with Israeli forces since 2009. Concerns have also been raised about the silence of Syrian revolutionaries regarding the Israeli incursions, prompting questions about the broader implications of the ongoing conflict in the region.
In response to the escalating situation, the newly formed Syrian government has called on the UN Security Council to take immediate action against Israeli military operations in Syria, demanding a cessation of attacks and withdrawal from occupied territories.
