Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz visited the Golan Heights on Tuesday and stressed that he views the northern region as strategically important.
"The Golan is and will be part of the State of Israel,
and this should be stated in a clear and firm manner, which will be understood by our enemies as well," he said during a meeting with the Golan Residents Committee.
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"It is important to resume the talks with Syria,
but the distance between talking and conceding is very big. The Golan leaders should be praised for their steadfast standing, in light of what they have been going through recently," he added.
The minister also called on Israel's residents "to arrive in masses to the Golan and enjoy the attractions." He reiterated his statement that he may move to the Golan Heights.
During his visit, Mofaz also met with Eli Malka, head of the Golan Regional Council, and informed him of a plan aimed at developing the roads across the Golan Heights.
On Tuesday morning, Mofaz said that "an agreement could be reached without relinquishing sovereignty over Heights."
Former Knesset Member Yehdua Ariel (The Third Way) told Mofaz that "alongside the support and the strategic arguments, the State of Israel and its leaders must understand that the Golan is not just an asset, but an inseparable part of the State, like any other area in the country, and this is how it should be treated, without giving excuses in regards to its necessity."
The head of the Golan Regional Council thanked Mofaz for the visit, saying that "Mofaz comes here with his integrity and says that the Golan is an important strategic asset for Israel, while his friends only engage in politics.
"Tonight I will really sleep well, knowing that one of the leaders destined to lead the State of Israel in the future has come here and expressed his stance in a firm and clear manner, which strengthens the settlement and development of the Golan Heights."
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