Israel controls 70 per cent of Gaza while expanding into Syria and Lebanon
Israel occupies Gaza, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights, but occupations rarely deliver lasting security.
Israel's military presence keeps growing. After October 2023, Israel now controls 70 per cent of Gaza.
Israel took Mount Hermon after Syria's Assad fell in 2024. Israel started major operations into Lebanon in March.
The West Bank and East Jerusalem have been occupied for 60 years. The Golan Heights have been occupied for more than half a century.
Historians warn that temporary occupation tends to become permanent. Long occupation breeds resentment among displaced people.
This weakens the occupier over time. Occupation rarely delivers lasting security, despite initial tactical reasons.
- 70 per cent
- Gaza controlled
- 60 years
- West Bank occupied
- more than 50 years
- Golan Heights occupied
- 2024
- Mount Hermon taken
Why it mattersLong military occupations without political progress create conflict that damages the occupying power and destabilises regions for generations.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though Australia's relationship with Israel and broader Middle East stability influence regional geopolitics Australia engages with.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
