Golan Heights: Historical Context

The Golan Heights: Chronology of Syrian Claims for Restoration

1967 – Israeli Seizure

• June 1967 – During the Six-Day War, Israel occupies the Golan Heights, which had previously been under Syrian sovereignty.
• Syria demands the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces and labels the action an act of aggression.

1973 – Yom Kippur War

• October 1973 – Syria launches a military offensive to retake the Golan Heights as part of a broader coalition with Egypt.
• Despite initial gains on the plateau, Israel regains control by the end of the war. A ceasefire line, known as the “Purple Line”, is established.
• Efforts toward a political resolution are initiated under the auspices of the United States and the Soviet Union.

1974 – Disengagement Agreement

• A disengagement agreement is signed with U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger mediating. It provides for a separation zone and the deployment of UNDOF peacekeepers.
• Syria signs the agreement but does not recognize the legitimacy of Israel’s presence on the Golan Heights.

1981 – Israeli Annexation

• Israel unilaterally declares the Golan Heights as part of its sovereign territory.
• Syria immediately condemns the move and initiates UN Security Council Resolution 497, which declares the annexation null and void.

1991–2000 – Oslo Process and Geneva Negotiations

• As part of the U.S.-led peace process, negotiations take place between Israel and Syria.
• 1999–2000 – The most advanced talks occur between Hafez al-Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
• Syria insists on regaining full access to the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee; Israel refuses.
• The negotiations collapsed without an agreement in 2000.

2003–2008 – Renewed Dialogue Attempts

• Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expresses cautious openness to negotiations.
• Indirect talks are held through Turkish mediation during the tenure of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
• In 2008, the process is suspended following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict and a domestic corruption scandal in Israel.

2011 – Outbreak of the Syrian Civil War

• Peace efforts are frozen.
• Israel consolidates its positions on the Golan Heights and enhances military fortifications.
• The presence of Iranian forces and Hezbollah in southern Syria further reduces the prospects for compromise.

2018–2019 – U.S. Recognition

• March 2019 – The United States formally recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights (a decision made by the Trump administration).
• Syria denounces the move, describing it as an endorsement of occupation.
• Damascus resumes appeals to the United Nations.

2020s – Diplomatic and Propaganda Activity

• Syria continues to demand the return of the Golan Heights through repeated UN resolutions.
• Annual resolutions are adopted at the General Assembly, often with the support of a majority of member states.
• The Syrian position remains uncompromising: “Peace is only possible with the full return of the Golan Heights.”