Golan Heights Law refers to a legislation passed by the Israeli government in 1981 that aimed to assert Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights region. It effectively extended the law, jurisdiction, and administration of Israel to the Golan Heights, which had been occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.
The Golan Heights is a significant elevated plateau located in the southwestern part of Syria, bordering Israel and Lebanon. Historically, it had been under Syrian authority before being captured by Israel in 1967. The Golan Heights Law was enacted as a response to the growing tensions in the region and heightened security concerns for Israel. Through this law, Israel aimed to firmly establish its control and prevent the region's possible return to Syrian governance.
The legislation declared that "the Law, jurisdiction, and administration of the State shall apply to the Golan Heights." It effectively extended Israeli law, civil administration, and social services over the occupied territory. Additionally, the Golan Heights Law granted the Israeli government the authority to implement Israeli infrastructure, development projects, and land management policies in the region.
The enactment of the Golan Heights Law has been met with international controversy and condemnation. The United Nations Security Council has deemed Israel's annexation and occupation of the Golan Heights as illegal, urging Israel to withdraw from the region. Various countries, including the United States, consider the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian land and do not recognize Israel's sovereignty. Nevertheless, the Golan Heights Law continues to stand as a pivotal statement in defining Israel's stance and territorial claim over the region.
