Israel to double number of settlers in Golan Heights

[plurality]

and 11 wounded in West Bank barrier protest

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3844599/

JERUSALEM - Israel intends to double the number of Jewish settlers in the Golan Heights over the next three years to tighten its grip over the plateau seized from Syria in a 1967 war, a cabinet minister said on Wednesday.

Syria denounced the announcement.

"There is no recognition for this measure. Israel is deluded that it can achieve something by relying on power and occupation," Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Isa Daweesh told Reuters.

"Practically, Israel cannot gain anything out of this move because it is not legitimate."

Asked if Israel's move was a step to pre-empt any future peace negotiations between the two countries, Daweesh said: "Conflicts are not resolved through power, they should be resolved under international law."

God I love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning.

[Tinoire]

1. Here's the BBC's article

Israel announces Golan expansion


Control of the Golan lies between Israel, Syria and a peace deal
Israel has unveiled a $60m plan to build homes for thousands of new settlers on the occupied Golan Heights.

Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz says the population will rise by 50% over three years to strengthen Israel's grip on the land seized from Syria in 1967.

<snip>

"The aim is to send an unequivocal message: the Golan is an integral part of Israel," Mr Katz told Israeli public radio.

<snip>

"The goal is for al-Assad to see from the windows of his home the Israeli Golan thriving and flourishing."

<snip>

It has important water resources and provides Israel with a third of its water needs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3358797.stm

[plurality]

2. "It has important water resources..."

Oh, I see, all the more reason to STEAL it.

[JohnLocke]

3. Israel has denied this.

See this article: http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=378101&contrassID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. They're denying the amounts, not the intention of more settlers

All 3 reports quote Katz, in full or in part:

"Katz, the plan's initiator and head of the cabinet's settlement committee, told Israel Radio on Wednesday: "It is good for everyone to know that Israel has no intention to loosen its hold on the Golan, but exactly the opposite."

"There is no dialogue with the Syrians," Katz said. "This is an Israeli decision that the Golan Heights is an integral part of the State of Israel and we don't have any intention of giving up our hold.""