People walk past a sign in the Druze village of Majdal Shams, located near the “Alpha Line” that separates the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights from Syria, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government,

The Israeli government decided on Sunday to double its population on the occupied Golan Heights while saying threats from Syria remained despite the moderate tone of rebel leaders who ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

Israel announced plans to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights, earning international condemnation.

The Golan Heights is recognized by the international community — except the US and Israel — as Israeli-occupied territory captured from Syria during the 1967 war. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Joshua Landis,

The Israeli government has approved a plan to expand illegal settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, which is internationally recognised as part of Syria.

Foreign Minister Baerbock raises concern over Israel’s seizure of territory in Syrian-controlled areas of the Golan Heights - Anadolu Ajansı

Israel rejected Turkish accusations on Tuesday following Ankara’s condemnation of Israeli military actions in Syria, as Turkey escalates its own operations in the war-torn country. The rising tensions have deepened the rift between the two nations and sparked concerns over regional stability and the fate of U.

Israel and Turkey have entered into a diplomatic spat, with both sides accusing the other of occupying Syria in statements made on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry published a statement that it condemned Israel's decision to expand settlements in the Golan Heights.