The Golan Heights

MAP 27

L E B A N O N

S Y R I A

J O R D A N

I S R A E L

Sea of Galilee

GOLAN HEIGHTS

Mt. Hermon Mt. Hermon

Neve Ativ Neve Ativ Banias Banias

Merom Golan Merom Golan Kuneitra Kuneitra

Katzrin Katzrin

Ramot Ramot

Hamat Gader Hamat Gader

Safed Safed

Tiberias Tiberias

Kiryat Shmona Kiryat Shmona

L E G E N D

Golan Heights, held by Israel since 1967

UN area of separation, 1974

Mount Hermon, Israeli-held since 2024

Cease-fire line

International border today

N

10 km

6 mi

North at top. The area of separation is approximate.

MAP-027 · map

HISTORICAL MAPS

MAP 27 The Golan Heights

Plateau in northern Israel

The Golan Heights, a strategic plateau in northern Israel, has been central to regional security and geopolitics. Captured from Syria during the Six- Day War in 1967 and fought over in the Yom Kippur War of 1973, it has served as a critical buffer zone against potential aggression.

In 1981, Israel extended its law and administration to the Golan, effectively annexing the territory. This move has been widely disputed internationally, with most countries not recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the area.

The Heights’ elevated terrain provides a commanding view of northern Israel, the Sea of Galilee, and Syria’s southern plains, making it vital for military defense and deterrence.

Additionally, its fertile soil supports agriculture, and its volcanic rock formations feed freshwater springs. The Golan boasts a burgeoning world- renowned wine industry.

The Heights have been of critical importance during continuing conflicts with Islamic terror forces in Lebanon.

In 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump officially recognized the Golan as part of Israel, underscoring its importance to Israeli security and sovereignty.

TIMELINE

June 1967 Israel captures the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War.

October 1973 Syria attacks in the Yom Kippur War. Israel repels the attack.

May 1974 Separation-of-forces agreement. A UN force patrols the area of separation.

December 1981 Israel extends its law and administration to the Golan.

March 2019 The United States recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan.

December 2024 After the fall of the Assad government, Israeli forces enter the area of separation and the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.

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