The Golan Heights and Rethinking "Land for Peace"

The trip to the north of the country last week was an interesting experience, both culturally and factually with presentations on psychological resilience and security, among other things. After our return and hearing the news of the resumption of peace talks I began to think about the Golan region in any possible deal with the Syrians, as a basis for peace with the Syrian regime would most likely include the swapping of the Golan Heights. What I saw up on the heights made me rethink the idea of returning the area back to Syria and whichever force wins the civil war that continues to rock the country.

            Why would I rethink the return of the region? There are multiple reasons for this change of heart, namely the issue of security. While the days of large scale conflict between Syria and Israel may be over following the routing of Syrian forces in 1973 and the usage of proxies (Syria’s arming of Hizbollah), there still exists a military threat. The heights and bases along the post-1967 border allows for the IDF not only to peer into Syria to monitor possible mobilizations or movements of the Syrian military, but it also provides a staging area for quick responses to any aggression. From an strategic position based on the ability of early warning and observation, the Golan are of high importance. This is no more apparent than with the civil war that is raging in Syria, which the heights provide over watch of events in the area. The heights also provide a security buffer between Syria and the heartland of Israel, which also is increasingly more important should extremist elements take power or consolidate any sense of control over the south of Syria.  As was explained in Sderot, Hamas and other groups are able to launch rockets and lob mortars into the towns near the border for which there are no defenses to counter. The “Iron Dome” system is only able to intercept rockets that travel some distance. What the Golan Heights provide to Israel then is the ability to separate the main towns in the valley from the Syrian border. This distance would be able to provide security through interceptor systems that can destroy incoming rockets. With the ability to observe Syria and movements of either the military or terrorist groups, plus the added security in acting as a buffer between the main Israeli towns and Syria, I believe it is clear that the heights in the short term should not be returned.

            There is no doubt that I hope that one-day Israel and Syria can come to the table and make peace. I am skeptical, however, of returning the Golan Heights as I have mentioned. In terms of security the area is just too valuable to give up and perhaps allow the heartland of Israel be again under threat. Israel must be pragmatic in seeing the strategic purpose and value of the Golan, keeping it to protect the state.