The Battle over the Golan: Israeli Perspective

The Golan Heights, seized by Israel from Syria in the closing stages of the Six Day War (June 5-10, 1967) and then again during the surprise attacks of the Yom Kippur War of October 1973, has held not only political and strategic significance but historical importance as well. Overlooking northern Israel and southern Syria, the Golan, annexed in 1981, has given Israel an excellent vantage point for monitoring Syrian movements with a topography that provides a natural buffer against any military thrust from Syria. The Golan Heights embraces 1,250 square kilometers (500 square miles) and borders southern Lebanon, northeast Israel and northwest Jordan. Its elevations range from 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) in the north to below sea level along the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) and the Yarmuk River in the south. (Wikepedia) Israel may be willing to return some of the Golan but wants to retain the 1920 border drawn during the French Mandate of Syria and the British Mandate of Palestine following World War I. Syria asserts the Heights are part of the governorate of Al Qunaytirah, and the international community considers they are to be a part of the Israeli-occupied territories. (BBC News)

The military importance of the Golan Heights has increased during recent years mainly due to the introduction of ballistic missiles and technologies. The 1991 Gulf War, and the proliferation of US military bases and installations throughout the globe, are confirmation of the critical role played by topographic edge, geographic depth and strategic location in the strengthening of one's national security. While most advanced high-tech military and early-warning systems improve and increase the capabilities of one's military forces, they are no substitute for the unique contribution of a vital territory. Israel's neighbors may be able to obtain superior forms of technological systems, but they cannot duplicate the exceptional uniqueness of mountain ridges that make up the Golan Heights....