Israel's recent announcement to double the population growth in the Golan Heights has drawn criticism from Arab nations. This move is seen as an extension of Israel's control over the area, especially following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Israel has sent ground forces into a buffer zone east of the Golan Heights, expanding its control. The Israeli government views the fall of Assad positively but is cautious about the new Syrian administration due to the radical Islamist roots of some rebel groups. Israel is taking proactive measures, including airstrikes, to ensure any new Syrian government does not pose a military threat.