Germany has urged Israel to halt its plan to double the population in the occupied Golan Heights, a strategic region at the southwestern edge of Syria. Speaking on Monday, Foreign Ministry of Germany spokesman Christian Wagner reaffirmed Berlin’s position, stating, “Under international law, this area controlled by Israel belongs to Syria, and Israel is therefore an occupying power.”
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiled the controversial plan on Sunday amid growing instability in Syria following the recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebel forces. The plan seeks to expand settlements in a territory annexed by Israel in 1981, a move never recognized internationally.
Territorial Integrity of Syria Must Be Respected, Says Germany
Germany emphasized the importance of maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity during this critical phase. Wagner called on Israel, a key ally, to reconsider its settlement policy in light of the region’s fragile political environment. “It is absolutely crucial now, in this phase of political upheaval in Syria, that all actors in the region take into account Syria’s territorial integrity and do not call it into question,” he said during a press conference.
The statement reflects longstanding international concerns over Israeli policies in the Golan Heights, which have been deemed a violation of international law by the United Nations and several countries, including Germany.
Netanyahu Orders Seizure of Demilitarized Zone
In a separate development, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered troops to seize the demilitarized zone on the Golan Heights, citing security concerns over the destabilization of Syria. The area, once under UN supervision, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict.
Israel has also intensified its military operations in Syria, targeting strategic sites linked to chemical and conventional weapons. While these strikes are officially described as preemptive measures to protect Israeli security, they have drawn criticism from countries, like Germany, urging restraint.
Germany Calls for Regional Restraint
Germany’s call for Israel to abandon its settlement expansion comes with a broader appeal for restraint in the region. Wagner stressed that war-torn Syria has “been a plaything of foreign powers for far too long” and warned of further complications arising from external interference.
The spokesman acknowledged the complexity of the situation, particularly Israel’s concern over the potential misuse of Assad regime weapons. However, he reiterated Germany’s stance that such concerns do not justify actions undermining Syria’s sovereignty.
Implications for Regional Stability
The proposed expansion in the Golan Heights risks heightening tensions in an already volatile region. While Israel views the Golan Heights as strategically vital for its security, international law and diplomatic norms call for a negotiated resolution regarding the territory’s status.
Germany’s firm stance highlights growing European concerns over unilateral actions that could further destabilize the Middle East. As power dynamics shift in Syria following Assad’s fall, the international community is likely to face increasing challenges in balancing humanitarian needs, geopolitical interests, and legal principles.
With Syria at a crossroads, Germany’s warning underscores the urgent need for restraint and adherence to international norms, particularly as regional actors navigate the aftermath of Assad’s ouster and the uncertain future of Syria’s governance.
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