Criticism of Netanyahu for his vision of ‘Greater Israel’

The expansionist strategy of Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, is generating a lot of opposition. 

His vision of ‘Greater Israel’ has provoked criticism from various quarters in the Middle East. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked a regional outcry after telling Israeli media that he felt a deep connection to the vision of ‘Greater Israel.’ 

In an interview with i24News, the network's presenter Sharon Gal asked Netanyahu if he ‘feels a connection’ to a ‘vision’ of ‘Greater Israel,’ to which he replied, ‘A lot.’ 

The term ‘Greater Israel’ refers to a messianic vision of Israel's borders shared by Zionist extremists and including parts of present-day Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. 

The Israeli prime minister's comments come amid an endless war in Gaza and other comments he has made expressing his desire to expel Palestinians from Gaza. 

Regional analysts say it is unclear whether Netanyahu intended his comments to consolidate his ties with the ultra-nationalist wing within his ruling alliance or whether he was simply expressing long-held beliefs, emboldened by militaristic arrogance. 

His comments, analysts add, are likely to undermine Israel's proclaimed ambition to ‘integrate’ the region, as they project an image of unbridled expansionism and fuel fears about Israeli designs among Arab neighbours. 

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and the Arab League issued statements condemning Netanyahu's comments. 

The Arab League considered that the Israeli prime minister's statements ‘reflect expansionist and aggressive intentions that cannot be accepted or tolerated and reveal an extremist mentality steeped in colonial delusions.’ 

In an official statement, the League said that these statements represent ‘a serious threat to collective Arab national security and a flagrant challenge to international law and the principles of international legitimacy.’ 

In a statement, Egypt called for clarification of the comments, saying they ‘fuel instability and show rejection of peace in the region.’ 

The comments ‘contradict the aspirations of regional and international parties that value peace and seek to achieve security and peace for all peoples of the region,’ said its Foreign Ministry. 

‘The only path to peace is a return to negotiations and an end to the war in Gaza, which will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state.’ 

Jordan's Foreign Ministry described Netanyahu's comments as ‘a dangerous and provocative escalation, a threat to the sovereignty of states, a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.’ 

‘These delusional statements, reflected in the statements of Israeli officials, will not affect Jordan or the Arab states and will not diminish the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,’ it added in a statement. 

‘These statements and delusions adopted and promoted by extremists in the Israeli government encourage the continuation of cycles of violence and conflict’ in Gaza and the West Bank, the ministry said. 

Jordan called on the international community to take immediate action to stop ‘Israel's provocative measures and statements that threaten the stability of the region and international peace and security.’ 

The Palestinian Authority described Netanyahu's comments as ‘a contempt for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people’ and ‘a dangerous provocation and escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.’ 

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said it categorically rejected the ‘expansionist and pro-settlement ideas and projects’ adopted by the Israeli authorities. 

The Ministry also affirmed that the Palestinian people had the historical and legal right to establish an independent and sovereign state on their land, based on relevant international laws. 

‘The Kingdom warns the international community against the persistence of the Israeli occupation in flagrant violations that undermine the foundations of international legitimacy, flagrantly violate the sovereignty of states and threaten regional and global security and peace,’ the Ministry said.