JERUSALEM, May 26 (JTA) — Jewish residents of the Golan Heights have launched a campaign to settle more Israelis in the region. Yehuda Wollman, head of the Golan local council, said the purpose of the campaign was to change the demographic balance of the region, currently home to some 15,000 Israelis and 18,000 Druse. Some 380 homes are in various stages of construction in 14 Golan communities. Supported by state subsidies, some of the homes are being offered for $47,000, a low price by Israeli standards. Syria condemned the campaign, saying it was further proof that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not interested in peace. Israel captured the Golan from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed the region in 1981. Syria has demanded the return of the Golan as part of any peace package with Israel.
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