The spelling of "Shebaa farms" may seem unusual at first glance, but it is actually a transliteration of the Arabic pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ʃɛːbaʕ/ /fɑrms/, where the first syllable is pronounced with a "sh" sound and has a long "eh" vowel sound, and the second syllable is pronounced with a glottal stop before the "a" sound. The final "a" in "Shebaa" is also pronounced with a long vowel sound. These nuances are important in accurately spelling and pronouncing the word.
Shebaa Farms is a disputed territory located on the slopes of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights region at the intersection of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. This land area spans approximately 25 square kilometers and is primarily an agricultural area, with valleys and fertile fields. It is renowned for its unique geographical and environmental characteristics.
The territorial status of Shebaa Farms has been a subject of contention among Lebanon, Israel, and Syria for several decades. Lebanon claims it as an integral part of its territory, basing its argument on the fact that the territory was under its sovereignty during French rule in the early 20th century. Syria, on the other hand, contests this claim and insists that Shebaa Farms fell under its control when it acquired the Golan Heights from Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.
The United Nations, following the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, has regarded Shebaa Farms as Syrian territory occupied by Israel. This classification is significant because it affects the status and legality of any potential future conflicts or negotiations concerning the area.
Due to its disputed nature, Shebaa Farms remains a sensitive and volatile region that has the potential to trigger regional tensions. Efforts to resolve the territorial dispute have been ongoing, but a definitive resolution has yet to be achieved.