And today is the 25th anniversary of the Golan Heights Law, when the Israeli government extended the laws of Israel to the Heights -- a strategically important wide plateau between Syria and Israel -- in a move that was denounced by many as an illegal occupation.

CNN: Highlights from the world's press

While annexation sounds like a radical formula, the fact is that Israel already implemented a similar move twice when it applied Israeli law to Jerusalem and to the Golan Heights.

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But the Palestinians said Mr Sharon's plan violated international law, which viewed the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Golan Heights as temporary.

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