UN Assembly calls for Israeli withdrawal from Golan heights

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights to the June 4, 1967 lines, in accordance with previous Security Council resolutions.

The measure passed with 97 votes in favor, 8 against, and 64 abstentions. Australia, Canada, Israel, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom and the United States voted against the resolution.

The resolution, sponsored by 17 nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, describes Israeli settlement construction in the Golan Heights as illegal. It also reaffirms that Israel’s 1981 decision to extend its laws and administration to the territory is considered null and void under UN Security Council Resolution 497.

The text states that continued occupation of the territory impedes regional peace efforts. It calls on all parties, including peace process sponsors, to work toward implementing Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).

The Golan Heights, a strategic plateau, has been under Israeli control since the 1967 Middle East war. Israel effectively annexed the territory in 1981, though this action has not been internationally recognized. Syria maintains its claim to the territory.

Israeli settlements have been established in the region since 1967, while most of the Syrian residents who lived there prior to 1967 were displaced.

The international community generally considers these settlements to be in violation of international law, though Israel disputes this characterisation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​