Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the international community should recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory.
“Israel on the Golan Heights is a guarantee for stability in the surrounding area,” he affirmed.
Netanyahu made this statement during the inauguration of a synagogue in the occupied Syrian heights, where he toured some settlements and military and security sites.
“Today we see what is happening over the border – Iran's attempts to establish a military presence,” he said.
Netanyahu continued that during more than 50 years, the region has become a destination for tourists, farmers, investors, businessmen, and constructors.
The PM said that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet soon in order to discuss the Israeli security interests and considerations in the Golan, hoping that the crisis of downing a Russian aircraft would reach a conclusion.
“In Syria, we will act against any attempts to transfer lethal weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon," Netanyahu was quoted as saying. "I will discuss these matters with President Putin when I meet with him soon," he added.
He said he has decided with Putin “on important security coordination between the Israeli Army and the Russian military.”
“Of course together we have developed good relations between Russia and Israel," Netanyahu went on to say. "I know that President Putin understands my commitment to the security of Israel and I know that he also understands the importance that I ascribe to the Golan Heights, that we all ascribe to the Golan Heights and to the heritage of Israel."
