A wave of condemnation swept across the Arab world on Wednesday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly reaffirmed his attachment to the vision of a “Greater Israel” — a concept widely regarded as expansionist and destabilizing for the Middle East.
Speaking to the Israeli news channel i24 on Tuesday, Netanyahu described himself as being “very attached” to the “historic and spiritual mission” of building a Greater Israel — an idea rooted in certain strands of Zionist ideology that envision Israel extending beyond its current internationally recognized borders.
The Prime Minister framed this mission as a generational obligation, saying it was a dream of “Jews who came before us and Jews who will come after us.”
What ‘Greater Israel’ Means — and Why It’s Controversial
In Israeli political discourse, “Greater Israel” generally refers to the incorporation of all territories currently under Israeli occupation — including the West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights — and, in some interpretations, extending into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and parts of Jordan.
Historically, this idea has been linked to a nationalist-religious interpretation of biblical boundaries, promoted by segments of the Israeli right wing and religious Zionists.
Analysts note that Netanyahu’s attachment to this vision aligns with his longstanding opposition to full Palestinian statehood and his belief in Israel’s security through territorial control rather than diplomatic compromise.
Critics argue that the statement is not merely symbolic but reflects his coalition’s reliance on ultranationalist and settler-aligned parties, whose political support often hinges on advancing annexationist policies.
Arab Capitals React: ‘A Threat to Sovereignty and Peace’
Netanyahu’s comments triggered swift diplomatic pushback across the region.
Egypt demanded clarification, warning that the remarks undermine peace efforts and “fuel instability,” directly contradicting the aspirations of regional and international stakeholders seeking a negotiated settlement. Cairo stressed that the “only path to peace” lies in ending the Gaza war and establishing a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
Jordan labeled the remarks a “dangerous and provocative escalation” and a “violation of international law and the UN Charter.”
Amman insisted such “delusional claims” would not weaken Arab states’ sovereignty nor diminish Palestinian rights, warning that they perpetuate “cycles of violence and conflict” in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Palestinian Authority called Netanyahu’s words a “dangerous provocation” that disregards the Palestinians’ legitimate right to statehood, reaffirming its commitment to a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
Yemen described the statement as a “blatant violation” of international resolutions and cautioned that it would push the region toward further instability.
Qatar accused Israel of “arrogance” and “blatant infringement” of state sovereignty, reiterating support for a just and comprehensive peace.
Saudi Arabia rejected “expansionist ideas” and reaffirmed the Palestinian right to an independent sovereign state.
Collective Arab and Islamic Response
The Arab League denounced Israel’s “aggressive and expansionist tendencies” as a “serious threat to Arab national security,” while the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) warned that such rhetoric undermines international law and prolongs the conflict, posing a danger to both regional and global stability.
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas said Netanyahu’s statements confirm “the danger this fascist entity poses to all the countries and peoples of the region,” framing the comments as proof of Israeli ambitions that “spare no state.”
Broader Context: War, Trials, and International Condemnation
Since October 2023, Israel has waged a relentless military campaign in Gaza, killing more than 61,700 Palestinians, nearly half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
The ongoing offensive has deepened skepticism about Israel’s commitment to any negotiated peace.
Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are already facing arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Simultaneously, Israel stands accused of genocide before the International Court of Justice.
Underlying Motives Behind the Expansionist Rhetoric
Observers believe Netanyahu’s recent declaration is not simply ideological grandstanding but also a calculated political move.
Facing mounting domestic criticism, judicial controversies, and legal jeopardy, the Prime Minister has doubled down on nationalist themes to solidify his base — particularly among right-wing settlers and religious conservatives.
The rhetoric also signals to regional rivals and international actors that Israel will not be pressured into territorial concessions, even as global calls for a two-state solution intensify.
By framing expansion as a spiritual and historical destiny, Netanyahu positions any territorial compromise as a betrayal not just of politics, but of national identity.
However, Arab leaders warn that this hardline approach risks inflaming tensions, undermining existing peace treaties, and pushing the region closer to a wider confrontation.
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