This statement comes amid growing accusations regarding Israeli control and exploitation of water resources in southern Syria.

Quoted by the Syria TV website, Lang stated during his address at the Israeli Business Conference 2025 that Israel “has the potential to be a water supplier in the region,” although he clarified that Mekorot “does not set policies” but rather acts in accordance with government directives.

Since 1967, Israel has controlled the main freshwater resources of southern Syria following the occupation of the Golan Heights, a plateau that contains one of the largest natural reserves in the Levant, including the Sea of ​​Galilee, the Jordan River, and numerous underground springs essential for the country’s water balance.

In January of this year, Israeli forces seized control of the Mantara Dam in the southwestern province of Quneitra, about 55 kilometers from the capital.

The facility is considered the province’s main source of fresh water and one of the most important hydraulic infrastructures in southern Syria.

According to Syrian sources, Israel intensified its attacks within the country throughout 2024, as part of a campaign launched in 2018 under the pretext of combating the presence of Iran and allied militias.

Even after the fall of the Syrian government on December 8 and the withdrawal of pro-Iranian groups, bombings targeting ground, air, and naval military capabilities continued.

Various international reports estimate that Israel controls approximately 40% of southern Syria’s water resources, in addition to a significant portion of the resources shared with Jordan.

Some estimates place Israel’s control over water resources at around 80% of the regional total.

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