Labour, likud, the ‘special relationship’ and the peace process, 1988-96

Above the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Kinneret or Lake Tiberias) rises an escarpment, its height ranging from 800 to 1000 metres. Known as the Golan Heights, it covers a total area of some 900 square kms, rising gradually from south to north, its peaks towering over the Rift Valley to the west and south. These ancient hills were created by volcanic activity: lava pouring out from craters covered the high plateau with a layer of basalt. The highest point is Mount Hermon, a multipeaked mountain rising to 2814 metres at its peak, which completely dominates the entire region; on a clear day its snow-covered summit can be seen from Mount Carmel at Haifa, more than 100 kms away. More importantly, the observation post high on its peak affords a view right up to Damascus - a considerable asset from a military point of view.