Trying to finalize itinerary (8 full day) that now includes Jerus/Bethlehem, Tel Aviv/Jaffa, Tiberias, Haifa, Massada, Dead Sea, Caesaria. Should we go to the Golan Heights? Any security concerns? I realize things change but we have to base plans on what the situation is now.

No problem with security.
Friends were there 3/weeks ago. Beautiful.

Just keep to the paths and don't go off on your own. There may still be live ammo!

I just returned from Israel 4 days ago and had a great time in the Golan Heights. No concerns at all, as long as you stick to the well marked paths. Lots of security in the area, but we always felt safe and it is a beautiful place to visit.

Definitely go! By the way there's even more action during winter...
http://www.skihermon.co.il/english-index.html

Yes the land belongs to another country, it is war booty.

The politics of the area are very interesting. Learning about why it was necessary for Israel to take over this area to stop the shelling and sniper attacks on it's farmers are additional reasons to visit the Golan aside from it's beauty.

What a sad person you must be the occupation of this land is in breach of UN Resolution 242 which was adopted unanimously. This is occupied territory, one law for some.

sniktawk, are you done yet clearing out the mess in your own back yard – Hutu/Tutsi, Kenya, Darfur – did I leave out something?
May I suggest that you concentrate on your own smelly sewer?

I must say that is an interesting comment, as a Britain living in South Africa, I fail to see what I have anything to do with Rwanda, Kenya or Sudan.

Perhaps you could reinvent history further?

"As a Britain living in South Africa," maybe you can explain what right your native country had to take 75% of historic Palestine and give it to a Saudi prince to establish the state of Trans-Jordan?

What has this got to do with the original question?

The breakup of the former Ottaman Empire was as I understand it a decision of the "Principal allied Powers".
In a similar decision the former German colony of South West Africa became a mandate of South Africa.
The Golan Heights became a part of Syria (also part of the Ottoman Empire) in 1923!
Nevertheless the current "owners" are in breach of international law.

This is a travel message board I'll be happy to debate you on this issue. My e-mail: [email protected].

Why would I want to debate with you, I have no interest in this subject other than my answer which is factual. You disagree that is your opinion and I suppose I could say you have every right to believe it, after all many people disagree with the theory of evolution.

Ok, then you have to be specific. What "international law" is Israel breaking?

Now, on a similar topic, do you believe that a country harassed and then attacked by its neighbor from certain territory is entitled to annex that territory following its victory? If your answer is no, then should the same theory apply to just Israel or other states as well (hint: France, Germany, Poland, Russia, etc.).

UN Resolution 242:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UN_Secu...Resolution_242

I’d decided never to read an Israel/Palestine thread on a mostly American forum, but I think I should share a link.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/

Lifelist

Thanks for that, I had allready used it so I am sure it will make no difference. Eugene clearly has a peculiar idea of the history of the world, let alone modern times.
I must confess to not having any idea as to who Poland harrased but I know it was invaded by Germany and Russia. I do not recall France harrasing anybody in particular but they have been invaded by Germany as well what is this all supposed to mean?

I apologies for asking the initial question. It seems some people really get their jollies pontificating on a subject that has nothing to do with the question I asked. Further, I am going to try to contack Fodor's to see if this kind of gibberish can be blocked, but I doubt it.

When at the Golan Heights is there extensive walking? I have a weak knee and after 1/2 mile I need to rest before heading back.If we were to spend 1 night in Tiberias what else could we see other than Golan that really is a NOT to be MISSED??
Please let's get back to my question.
Thanks.

Hmm, did you read the language of Resolution 242. It does call for withdrawal of Israel from "territories" - definitely not "all territories." This was not an omission on the drafters' part but a carefully drafted provision. That resolution also calls for peace - is that something Arab countries are willing to provide?

As to my understanding of history, look at Germany before and after WW1 and WW2? It sure lost lots of territory. Should Russia and Poland be returning land that they annexed following Germany's defeat?

http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/d74...1!OpenDocument