Israel Expands Golan Heights Settlements

Israel's government has approved a .13 million settlement expansion in the Golan Heights, a contested region captured during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in 1981, though not internationally recognized. The plan includes infrastructure projects such as education facilities and renewable energy initiatives. Prime Minister Netanyahu cited security concerns due to political changes in Syria. The expansion has drawn criticism from Arab nations like the UAE and Qatar, citing violations of Syrian sovereignty. The U.S. remains the only country recognizing Israeli control. The Golan Heights remains a geopolitical hotspot, home to Israeli settlers and Druze and Alawite communities.