Israeli Merkava main battle tank spotted at the Golan Heights

Israeli Merkava main battle tank spotted at the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights, a rocky plateau in south-western Syria, has a political and strategic significance which belies its size.

Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the closing stages of the 1967 Six-Day War. Most of the Syrian Arab inhabitants fled the area during the conflict.

Both countries signed an armistice in 1974 and a UN observer force has been in place on the ceasefire line since 1974.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

Israel unilaterally annexed the Golan Heights in 1981. The move was not recognised internationally.

The heights give Israel an excellent vantage point for monitoring Syrian movements. The topography provides a natural buffer against any military thrust from Syria.

The area is also a key source of water for an arid region. Rainwater from the Golan’s catchment feeds into the Jordan River. The area provides a third of Israel’s water supply.
The land is fertile, with the volcanic soil being used to cultivate vineyards and orchards and to raise cattle. The Golan is also home to Israel’s only ski resort.

To send troops to the Golan Heights, Israel has violated the agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Russia’s warship fires at German military helicopter

A Russian warship opened fire on a German military helicopter conducting a reconnaissance mission, according to Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The incident has drawn...