(ANSA) - TEL AVIV, 24 DEC - The Israeli government has set up an ambitious project for the extension of the Jewish presence in the Golan Heights and is preparing to approve it on Sunday in an extraordinary session of the government.
"These are not only practical projects - said the premier, NaftaliBennett - but there is also an important declarative element. our".
Israel ha-Yom newspaper anticipated that Israel plans to double the Golan's Jewish population by adding 23,000 people.
The project includes the construction of two new settlements, Assif and Meitar, each of which will have 2,000 dwellings.
Huge funds will also be invested to make the Golan "the main center of 'green' energy in Israel".
"We want to transform the Golan - Bennett explained to the newspaper - into a dynamic and prosperous area, which attracts young couples".
Israel occupied the Golan in the Six Day War (1967) and in 1981 extended it to its own legislation.
In 2019, the US recognized the Golan as an integral part of Israel.
(HANDLE).
