Israel IDF Returns Tourism to a Safer North: Occupied Lebanon & Syria

The Israeli military has introduced guided tours of the newly captured Syrian land, attracting significant interest from tourists. The hiking expeditions in the Golan buffer zone have seen a surge in bookings, quickly filling up as they became available.

This development, as reported by The Guardian and YNET, highlights a renewed focus on tourism in the region, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the landscapes of the Golan Heights under the supervision of the Israeli Defense Forces.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to our exploration of a region steeped in history and conflict,

(00:05):
where tourism intertwines with geopolitics.
Today,we delve into the intriguing development of guided tours offered by the Israeli military in the Golan Heights,
an area with a complex past and a promising future for adventurous travelers.
Tickets are sold out for a tour in bulletproof buses with military escort visiting expanded Israel-occupied territories in Lebanon and Syria – just in time for the Passover holiday.

(00:38):
Tourists sign up at their own risk.
Israel’s military is organizing hiking tours for civilians in the newly occupied Syrian territory during the Passover holiday.
The twice-daily tours in the contested Golan Heights will run for a week this Sunday.
Tickets sold out almost immediately.

(00:59):
Tourist groups, consisting of a few individuals, will journey up to 2.
5km into Syrian territory that was previously restricted before the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took control of the Golan buffer zone following the ousting of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in December.

(01:21):
Israel has held the Golan Heights since 1967 and currently governs several hundred additional square kilometers of Syrian territory.
The IDF,however,said that the tour was “inside Israel”,
rather than Syria,although the visits take place in the Golan Heights demilitarised buffer zone,

(01:44):
internationally recognised as Syrian territory.
According to reports from The Guardian and YNET,these expeditions were quickly booked up,
indicating a burgeoning interest in this once off-limits territory.
The tours not only provide stunning views of the landscape but also offer insight into the ongoing geopolitical dynamics of the region.

(02:11):
Visitors can expect to learn about the historical significance of the Golan Heights and gain a deeper understanding of its strategic importance.
The decision to open the area to tourists reflects a broader effort by Israel to promote the northern region as a safe and appealing destination.

(02:32):
By showcasing the natural beauty and historical relevance of the Golan Heights,
Israel aims to shift perceptions and encourage more visitors to explore this captivating area.
The tours are designed to be both educational and engaging,
offering an immersive experience that combines history,

(02:55):
nature,and adventure.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Golan Heights.
We hope this glimpse into the region has inspired you to consider the stories and landscapes waiting to be discovered.
Until next time, keep exploring the world with open eyes and an open mind.