The Golan Heights Law After 45 Years: Israel Seeks International Recognition
On December 14, 1981, the Knesset enacted the Golan Heights Law, applying Israel’s law, jurisdiction and administration to the territory. However, nearly 45 years later, most countries still regard the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory.
Key facts
- •Golan Heights Law
- •Enacted on December 14, 1981
- •Passed three readings in one day
- •Took effect immediately
- •Recognition: 2 of the 193 United Nations member states
How the Law Was Enacted
Prime Minister Menachem Begin presented the initiative on December 14, 1981, at a Cabinet meeting held at his home after his release from the hospital. That same day, the Golan Heights Law passed three readings in the Knesset and took effect immediately.
What the Knesset Determined
The law applied the state’s law, jurisdiction and administration to the Golan Heights. Israel captured the territory during the Six-Day War. Begin proceeded on the assumption that Israel would not relinquish the Golan Heights even in the event of future peace negotiations with Syria.
International Recognition Remained Limited
According to the source, of the 193 United Nations member states, only two have announced their recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The others continue to define the territory as occupied Syrian land. Therefore, the application of Israeli law domestically has not led to broad international recognition of sovereignty.
What this means for you
People and organizations located in the Golan Heights are subject to Israel’s legal and administrative system. At the same time, the territory’s international status remains disputed: the domestic application of Israeli law does not signify recognition by most countries worldwide.
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