the israeli settlement of katzrin was established in 1977 as a planned urban center for the golan based on a decision of the israeli government in november 1973. construction began in 1976. in 1981, under the golan heights law, israel applied israeli civil law in the golan heights (including katzrin). this law was condemned internationally and by the united nations security council. katzrin serves as a district town, that provides educational, administrative and cultural services to the surrounding region.