Golan Heights

Golan Heights strategic upland region (2003 est. pop. 10,500), c.500 sq mi (1,250 sq km), SW Syria. It borders S Lebanon, NE Israel, and NW Jordan. It takes its name from the ancient city of Golan and was known as Gaulanitis in New Testament times. It is a rocky plateau overlooking Israel where elevations range from c.6,500 ft (2,000 m) in the north to below sea level along the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) and the Yarmuk River in the south. The Golan Heights were fortified and used for artillery attacks on Israel after 1948. The region was captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967 (see Arab-Israeli Wars ) and formally annexed by Israel in 1981, an act that was not internationally recognized. A number of Israeli settlements have been established in the area; the region has become an important source of water for Israel. Ultimate control of the Golan Heights has been a stumbling block to Israeli-Syrian peace talks.

Golan Heights A mountainous area in south-east Syria, just along the Israeli border. Over 6,000 feet (2,000 metres) high, they are of enormous strategic importance as they make possible the military control of northern Israel up to Haifa and beyond, as well as southern Syria up to Damascus. They were occupied by Israel after the Six Day War from 1967, the population of around 130,000 was expelled, and new Jewish settlements were founded to claim the area permanently for Israel. They are an important source of water, and provide 50 per cent of the water supply for Israel's deserts. The Heights were annexed in 1981, though this was not internationally recognized. After Israel's recognition of the PLO, their occupation by Israel remained the biggest stumbling block to a lasting peace with Syria. Negotiations were taken up in 1999, but ended inconclusively following the breakdown of the Oslo Accords and the Wye Agreement.

Golan Heights (Ramat Ha Golan) Range of hills in sw Syria on the border with Israel. Israel occupied the area in the Six-Day War (1967), and later annexed it. Of great strategic importance to Israel, it remains a source of conflict between the two countries. Area: 1150sq km (444sq mi). Pop. (2000 est.) 14,000.