Israel approves sensitive oil drilling project in strategic Golan plateau captured from Syria
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Israel says it has given the go-ahead for a gas exploration project in the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau it captured from Syria in the 1967 war.
Israel's Energy and Water Resources Ministry said Wednesday it has issued a permit for the American-Israeli company Genie Energy to drill for oil on the plateau. The company is headed by Effi Eitam, a hawkish former Israeli Cabinet minister.
Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 but the world still considers it occupied territory.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Oil permits for the area were stopped 20 years ago during Israel-Syria talks, which were to include a potential return of the Golan. The talks never produced a peace deal.
The drilling permit raises concerns it could draw international condemnation, especially ahead of President Barack Obama's visit to Israel.