Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel's Plan To Expand Jewish Settlements In The Syrian Golan Heights

The carcass of an Israeli military tank is in the Golan Heights area of Syria. (Unsplash-Levi Meir Clancy)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia has criticized the Israeli government's plan to double the Jewish population in the Golan Heights, Syria.

The Golan Heights is an Israeli occupation area. Israel's plan means annexing the territory of other countries.

"The kingdom is renewing its call to the international community to condemn this Israeli violation, stressing the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) said in a statement, quoted by Arab News, Monday, December 16.

The Office of Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli government had approved a plan worth US$11 million to expand Jewish settlements by publicly developing its geography in the Golan Heights.

In a statement, Israel also mentioned a desire to double the population of its citizens in the Syrian region.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the strategic Golan Heights is land for Syria occupied by Israel.

"Israel's continued sabotage of Syria is restoring its security and stability," the statement said.

Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights since 1967 and annexed the region in 1981. The attempt to annex the wilyah was only recognized by the US.