Iran Builds Military Strength On Borders, PM Bennett: It Must End, Golan Heights Is Israel, Period!

JAKARTA - Iran aspires to build an army on the border of Israel's Golan Heights, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said as it seeks to increase Israel's sovereignty in the region, warning Tehran on Monday.

"The Golan Heights is Israel, period!" Prime Minister Bennett said while speaking at a conference for the Makor Rishon newspaper, citing The Jerusalem Post October 12.

Israel applied sovereignty to the Golan, but the move was only recognized by the United States. Jerusalem has long claimed the area is a strategic necessity, especially in light of Syria's civil war and as one of the front lines in Iran's ongoing military battle with Israel.

"Iran, which has sent proxies and built an army to encircle the State of Israel, aspires to build another army on the borders of the Golan Heights," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized as he stood on the Golan.

"We will continue to act wherever and whenever necessary, on our initiative, and every day, to roll back the Iranian presence in Syria. They have nothing to look for there," he said.

"Their adventures on our northern border must end. Thus, we will ensure not only the peace of the inhabitants of the Golan Heights but also of all Israelis," he said.

However, he clarified Israel's relationship with the Golan does not depend on the argument, it is a necessary territory for Israel's security.

"I want to make one thing clear, our position regarding the Golan Heights is not related to the situation in Syria," he said.

"The horrors unfolding in Syria may make it seem as though it is better for the Golan to prosper under Israeli hands, than to become another arena for assassinations and bombings."

"But even in a situation that could happen, where the world changes course regarding Syria, or regarding the (Bashar) Assad regime, this has nothing to do with the Golan Heights and Israeli sovereignty there," he said.

PM Bennett said the construction of the Golan Heights was a strategic goal for his government, while pledging to double, even triple the population there.

In six weeks, the Israeli government will approve a national plan for the Golan Heights which will include the creation of two new communities and investments in development, infrastructure, business, and renewable energy.

"We are now working to finalize a plan that will change the face of the Golan Heights," said PM Bennett.