Israel pushes to expand settler presence in contested Golan Heights

In December 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israeli forces would maintain a presence in a demilitarized buffer zone within Syria for an unspecified period. This declaration followed Israel's military actions inside Syria after the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which has caused significant upheaval in the region. Netanyahu's government has faced criticism from various international actors, including the United Nations and several Arab nations, for its military operations and occupation strategies. The Israeli government moved to seize control of the buffer zone shortly after the collapse of Assad's regime, claiming that it was necessary for Israel's security. Netanyahu emphasized that the ongoing military operations aimed to prevent hostile forces from using Syrian territory for attacks against Israel. This situation is compounded by the turbulent regional dynamics, including the actions of Iran and militant groups like Hezbollah, which pose perceived threats to Israel's security interests. Despite international condemnation, Israel has intensified its military strategy in the context of regional instability. The backdrop includes rising tensions following the attacks by Hamas that killed around 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages in October 2023, resulting in severe retaliatory measures by Israel within Gaza. Over the last year, these military escalations have significantly impacted the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with reports indicating over 45,000 Palestinian casualties, primarily affecting women and children. Additionally, Israel has proposed a plan to increase its settler population in the occupied Golan Heights, a strategic area it has held since 1967. This proposition has drawn further ire from neighboring countries and international bodies, asserting it violates international law. With the re-election of Donald Trump and his previous recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, questions loom over the implications of U.S. foreign policy on Israel's actions in the region moving forward.