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Golan Heights: Nearly Half of Syrian Villagers Now Hold Israeli Citizenship
Nearly half of the residents in four Syrian villages in the occupied Golan Heights now hold Israeli citizenship, with 6,040 obtaining it between early 2025 and October 2026. This rise, bringing the total to 12,269 out of 26,154 residents, is linked to the war in Syria and Israeli efforts to encourage naturalization.
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What happened
- 01Nearly 47% of residents in four Golan Heights villages now hold Israeli citizenship, totaling 12,269 people.
- 02Over 6,000 residents obtained Israeli citizenship between early 2025 and October 2026.
- 03A new Israeli Population and Immigration Authority office opened in Mas'ada to encourage naturalization.
- 04The rise in citizenship applications is linked to the war in Syria and Israeli regional influence.
- 05Historically, Golan residents largely resisted Israeli citizenship, viewing themselves as Syrian.
- 06Some local council heads expressed reservations about hosting the new Israeli office.
A new Israeli office has opened in Mas'ada to facilitate this process, despite historical resistance and some ongoing local reservations.
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