Golan Heights - current situation?

Hi there

I'm planning to be in Israel in early November (female, solo traveller) and as part of my itinerary would like to do some walking in the Golan Heights. The news coming out of there seems to be quite volatile at the moment (just this morning Syrian shelling seems to have taken place, and last week Israeli soldiers started a military exercise there?)

Obviously I'll be keeping an eye on the situation before I go (!) but what's it like at the moment, so I have something gauge any future activity by? Would it be a daft idea to head there at the moment?

Other question about the political situation is that I will be in Israel during the US elections - I can't imagine that there will be any volatility purely as a result of that vote, but am I being naive?

Many thanks and any insights exceedingly welcome!

There was a rogue rocket the fell in a field in the Golan but by and large it has been quiet. The military excercises are more a precaution, but things have been quiet. I have family up there hnd have heard nothing about problems of late. but always keep abreast of the news and laert, becaus thinsg change quicklt in that part of the world

Thank you ZedisDead - that's really helpful. Will keep planning accordingly!

just keep on top of the news. The Golan is beautiful. Be sure to stop into one of the Druse villages for lunch, It's a real treat.

I think smd was referring/reflecting the recent news reports about Golan in Syrian territory where there have been clashes between the Syrian Army and the Syrian Liberation Army in recent days.

Zed Israel was holding training excercises in the Golan area too in recent days.
cheers

The rocket that fell into Golan seems to have landed there by mistake. For the time being it's quiet and there is no reason to cancel your trip there.

In Golan you can visit the magnificent natural parks and archeological sites. The ones I like best are Nimrod, Banias and Gamla (the latter is a great hike). You can also pay a visit to the Druzes at Majda Al Shams, the big village which is located right at the fence with Syria. (the Golan Height is Syrian territory and the Druzes living there are all Syrian nationals, even though the Golan has been occupied by Israel since 167, after Tsahal defeated Syria).

As for the US election, I really can't see how it could impact on the political climate in Israel, Golan or in the Palestinian territory. For now the main issue in the region is a possible war with Iran.

Thank you all so much for your insights and tips. Really want to see Banias in particular - looks spectacular - but also just to experience the renowned beauty of the region.

Thanks Marcopoloo for clarifying my post - am I right in thinking though that this is accidental spillover at this stage, and as long as I stay a reasonable distance from the border it should be fine?

Really looking forward to it!

@marco,I'm sure it it was a precautionary exercise. Good militaries lie rot be prepared for possible but not probable scenarios. One cannot ignore the possibility of soil over.

CATW--it was not necessary to add YOUR political opinion, At one point the Golan Heights belonged to Syria. However, they lost it in a war that they started. All over the world borders have changed as the result of wars. This is one of those instances. Get over it!

BTW--the Israeli military frequently hold exercises. It is the only way to train. Militaries around the world do the same thing!

Edited by: alhaderech

The recent military exercise was part of an annual work plan decided upon a long time ago.

You can travel safely all over the Golan Heights - even the border area. If something drastic starts up with Syria (unlikely, but possible) you won't be allowed anywhere near the trouble.

The Golan (its official name is the Syrian occupied Golan) is Syrian territory, populated by Syrian Druzes. It has been occupied by Israel since 1967, after Tsahal defeated the Syrian army. It will be given back to Syria the day when a peace treaty is signed.

There's absolutely no reason to worry about traveling to either Israel, the Golan or the Palestinian territory these days. It's extremely safe. The Golan is gorgeous, you will definitely enjoy the landscape, the hikes and the wine.

CatW politicizes just about every post he writes.

Zedis--I know. He seems to think that saying it over and over makes it true. AND just because he feels it will be given away to Syria--I feel it won't--and since it has been annexed as part of Israel--again WON in a war that Israel didn't want!!

Hey CATW--are you equally supportive of Turkey getting the H*** out of Cyprus?

I've always thought catw is a "she" Seems to be a multihandle as well. At least on occasion. Maybe the SO posts on the weekend.

This of course is all travel related and should be discussed in detail. :)

Edited by: bosworth

This is a travel forum, not a political one.

The Golan is Syrian territory and has been occupied by Israel since 1967, following the war with Syria. However the Golan is not in Israel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golan_Heights

#14 (catw)

This is a travel forum, not a political one.

=================================
So why did you hijack this thread with your politics in #5? Before that, there was no political statement whatsoever. Whether you are right or wrong is irrelevant. The point is that you are posting a political opinion which contributes absolutely nothing to answering OP's question.

Catw, I suggest you re-read your first post and then check you politics at the door. Afterall, this is a travel forum

This is a travel forum, not a political one.

The Golan is Syrian territory and has been occupied by Israel since 1967, following the war with Syria. However the Golan is not in Israel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golan_Heights

Catw, tell that to all the residents of Katzrin and every other kibbutz and moshav in the Golan Heights. Tell that to the Golan Heights Winery (highly recommended for wine tasting) and tell that to the thousands of tourists who seamlessly travel through Galilee and the Golan Heights on a regular basis.

Tourists will notice no border crossing when traveling from the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, for instance, to Banyas National Park and on to Mt Bental.

I don't think the Golan is going anywhere anytime soon given the civil war in Syria

Dave, all the residents of Katzrin and the other Moshav in the Golam Heights are perfectly aware that the Golan is not part of Israel, and that they may have to move back to Israel eventually. Some of the wineries, which produce some of the best wines in the region, even have alternate locations in case they have to move at some point in time. This is not something that people fear, as the day when the Golan is given back to Syria will mean that peace has been made at last.

I really don't think Catw knows any Israel living on the Golan to qualify what she said. Attitudes towards retuning the Golan are quite diverse. I don have close family residing on the Golan and visit every 2 years. Many do not anticipate a return on the Golan in their lifetime. They know the alternative.

As for moving vineyard? Seeing as the soil in the Golan not found elsewhere wold impact on the quality of the wine.

Some Golan wineries use vineyards grown in the hills of Galilea.

The vineyard in the Golan benefit from the volcanic Golan soil and give the wine its special quality

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golan_Heights_Winery

"The Golan Heights winery markets brands under the Golan, Yarden and Gamla labels and is the parent company of Galilee's Galil Mountain Winery. Golan sources its grapes from sixteen vineyards in the Golan Heights and one vineyard in the Upper Galilee. The chief winemaker is Napa native Victor Schoenfeld.[4]"

As you might surmise, it is less than 10% of the grapes

http://www.golanwines.co.il/Genesis_eng.asp

"The volcanic soil provided excellent drainage, the climate was relatively cool allowing a long growing season, and water was readily available for drip irrigation in the summer. The pioneering moshavs and kibbutzes first planted vines in 1976, and initially the grapes were sold to the large coastal cooperatives. However, local experimental winemaking in 1982 produced results which only underlined the potential and the winery was built the following year"