Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that Israel is already changing the Middle East, referencing his recent discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump about the need to complete the victory.
This statement comes as Israel’s occupation government approved a plan aimed at increasing population growth in illegal settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, with a budget exceeding 40 million shekels (approximately $11.2 million). The decision comes during rising tensions and escalating Israeli attacks on Syria, particularly following the weakening of the Bashar Al-Assad regime.
An official statement from the Israeli government outlined that the plan was in response to “security developments and the new front with Syria.” The initiative aims to double the number of settlers in the Golan Heights and includes funding for education, renewable energy, and the construction of a student village, as well as support for the Golan Regional Council to help accommodate new settlers.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is reshaping the region, stating: “A year ago, I said something simple: We would change the face of the Middle East, and we are indeed doing so. Syria is not the same Syria. Lebanon is not the same Lebanon. Gaza is not the same Gaza. And the head of the axis, Iran, is not the same Iran; it has also felt the might of our arm.”
He highlighted that Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran have all been affected by Israel’s actions. “We are working today forcefully and with due consideration in order to have security regarding all the countries of the region and in order to have stability and security on all of our borders,” he added.
