JERUSALEM, (Reuters) – Israel set a Sunday goal to double the number of Jewish settlers on the Golan Heights in five years. This move could help it secure the land that was occupied by Syria during its 1967 war with Syria.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennet cited the recognition by the U.S. in 2019 that Israel has sovereignty over the Golan, and the lack of indications from Joe Biden to reverse this decision as the reasons behind the multimillion-dollar infrastructure and housing plan.

The cabinet approved a plan that will build 7,300 units of housing in Katzrin. This is Israel’s major settlement. Smaller Jewish communities are also included in this project.

Bennett’s office released the following statement: “The goal of this decision is to twice the number (Israeli] residents in Golan in coming years meaning an additional of 23,000 persons in the area.”

Two new Golan settlements were also being planned and 4,000 homes will be constructed there, it said. The Golan is home to around 20,000 Druze who, although most identify themselves as Syrians, live there too.

Israel annexed the 1,200-square-kilometre (460-square-mile) Golan Heights in 1981, a move that was not recognised by the international community. Syria wants the strategic plateau back, as it overlooks Lebanon and borders Jordan.

Bennett stated in broadcast remarks that “it goes without saying the Golan Heights is Israeli.”

Important is the recognition by the Trump Administration of that fact, as well as the Biden administration’s clear statement that they will not change that policy. He stated that he agreed.

On February 2, shortly after Biden’s swearing-in as President, Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, stated on CNN that Israel’s control of the Golan was of “real import to its security.” Blinken pointed out the presence of militias in Syria, which are backed by Iran. Iran is a major ally to President Bashar al-Assad.

Blinken stated that legal questions can be something different and that over time the Syrian situation could change. However, we’re not there yet.

Israeli settlements in the Golan have been smaller than those in East Jerusalem or the West Bank. These areas were both captured by Israeli forces in 1967. The Palestinians are seeking a new state.

The Golan is more isolated than the West Bank. While many Israeli settlers claim that there’s a Biblical connection to the land, and where thousands of people commute to work in Israeli cities nearby, it offers very few employment opportunities.