[gonzo]

"...Many view it as a necessity, but the majority still view it as being soemething oocccupied for military ends rather than a natural part of the nation..."

The current value of the Golan Heights is as an Observation Platform. It also denies the same to Syria.

'High-Ground' is always valued in any potential Battle situation. ......... FRegards

[Androcles]

High ground is important but modern long range observational tools negate it majorly, although Israel still has an advantage in it.

The real value of the Golan though is the water which is crucial for Israel if large areas are to remain economically viable and habitable. Water is still Israel's achilles heel which is why they've always been very blunt about it.