Netanyahu Moves to Double Golan Heights Settler Population

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approved the expansion project, asserting a permanent claim over the territory annexed in 1981 following the 1967 war. As the political landscape in Syria shifts, Israeli forces have accelerated military activity in the Quneitra governorate. Reports indicate tanks have entered local villages, destroying infrastructure including water networks and power lines to force civilian evacuations. Concurrently, airstrikes have targeted sites across the country, with defense officials confirming troops will maintain positions on Mount Hermon throughout the winter.

Regional neighbors have responded with sharp criticism. Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the expansion as a calculated step to push borders through occupation, while Saudi Arabia accused Israel of sabotaging regional stability. Despite the escalation, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, a leader of the rebel forces that recently seized power in Damascus, urged restraint, citing the urgent need for internal reconstruction over military confrontation. The initiative coincides with Israel’s ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip and follows high-level discussions between Netanyahu and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, with the prime minister signaling a intent to further reshape the Middle East.