Any one interested in Middle East politics cannot avoid this small stretch of land currently under Israeli control. One of the most hotly contested area in the region, “Golan Heights” is responsible for the major rift between Israel and Syria. Captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War, the "Golan Heights," consists of two geologically distinct areas: the Golan Heights proper (approx. 1.070 sq. km.) and the slopes of the Mt. Hermon range (approx. 100 sq. km.). Geographically Golan (1,800 sq. km.) is a plateau owned by four countries; Syria, Israel, Lebanon and Jordan, whereas politically Golan Heights refers to an area (1200 sq.km.) conquered by Israel.
Today, there are more than 30 Jewish settlements on the heights, with an estimated 20,000 settlers. There are some 20,000 Syrians in the area, most of them members of the Druze sect. The highly fertile land has currently 8,100 hectares under cultivation, 46,575 hectares dedicated to natural pasturage, and approximately 30 industrial enterprises. Israel has also established 13 nature reserves-totaling 24,908 hectares on the Heights. The strategic importance (excellent vantage point), key source of water (30% of Israel’s drinking water), richest agriculural lands (highly fertile soil ideal for vineyards and orchards), natural pasturage (ideal for cattle raising) and of course revenues from tourism make Golan Heights extremely important and alluring for both Syria and Israel. Additionally, Lebanon claims a small portion of Golan Heights known as the Shebaa Farms on Mount Dov providing extra complications to the situation. On 14 December 1981, the Israeli Parliament passed “The Golan Heights Law”, resulting in Israeli "laws, jurisdiction and administration" to the Golan Heights-a move not recognized internationally.
For detailed history see http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/golan1.html Most of the Golan Heights came under British rule in 1922, but Britain ceded the area to France in 1923. The Heights became part of Syria upon the termination of the French mandate in 1944. During the 1967 Six-Day War, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) captured the Golan Heights as a response to the repeated attacks from Syria to its settlements from 1944-1967. Negotiations and peace talks between Israel and Syria on Golan Heights are at a very preliminary stage and a permanent solution- many believe almost impossible to happen in near future.
In Bible, Golan Heights is referred to as "Bashan;" the word "Golan" apparently derives from the biblical city of "Golan in Bashan," (Deuteronomy 4:43, Joshua 21:27). Bashan, in Hebrew means “fertile land”. The area was assigned to the tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 13:29-31). Bible mentions about the giant King Og from Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:11). Golan was one the Israelite Cities of Refuge (Joshua 21:27). The area appears in the times of King Solomon (967-927 BC; I Kings 4:13), King Ahab of Israel (874-852 BC; I Kings 20:26-30), King Hazael of Syria (842-805 BC; 2 Kings 10:33), Prophet Elisha (~850-770 BC; II Kings 13:17), returning Jewish exiles from Babylonia (Late 6th and 5th centuries BC) and Hasmoneans (2nd -1st Cent BC; I Maccabees 5).
In biblical times, this area was well known for its cattle and its oak trees. Cattle-raising is prevalent even today in Golan and the region maintains commercial beef and dairy production. I am Just quoting a few passages from Bible:
“Be not far from me; for trouble [is] near; for [there is] none to help. Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round” (Psalms 22:12, see also Amos 4:1, Ezekiel 39:18).
“Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down” (Zechariah 11:2; see also Ezekiel 27:6 and Isaiah 2:13).
"I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead." (
Jeremiah 50:19).
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