Arab nations have strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments appearing to endorse the concept of an expanded “Greater Israel,” calling the statements a direct threat to regional sovereignty during an already volatile period.
The controversy stems from Netanyahu’s interview with i24NEWS on Tuesday, where he was asked by interviewer Sharon Gal about supporting the “vision” of a Greater Israel.
The term “Greater Israel” refers to a biblical interpretation of Israel’s territory during King Solomon’s reign, which would include not only present-day Palestinian territories of Gaza and the occupied West Bank but also parts of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria – areas that ultra-nationalist Israelis have advocated occupying. When questioned about this vision, Netanyahu responded: “Absolutely. If you ask me what I think, we’re there,” before shifting to discuss Israel’s founding and its “great mission” of continued existence.
Jordan’s foreign ministry issued a sharp rebuke on Wednesday, labeling Netanyahu’s remarks as a “dangerous and provocative escalation” and “a threat to the sovereignty of states.” A ministry spokesman further denounced what he called Netanyahu’s “inflammatory” rhetoric and “delusional claims.”
Egypt similarly expressed concern, stating it had “requested clarification on this matter” and characterizing the comments as tantamount to a “rejection of the option of peace in the region.” The criticism comes amid Israel’s 22-month war with Hamas in Gaza, which has frequently spilled over into broader regional tensions and drawn widespread Arab condemnation.
Iraq joined the chorus of disapproval on Thursday, with its foreign ministry asserting that Netanyahu’s comments exposed Israel’s “expansionist ambitions” and constituted “a clear provocation to the sovereignty of countries.” Qatar, serving as a mediator in Gaza negotiations, also condemned the statements as “absurd” and “inflammatory.”
The controversy emerges as far-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet intensify calls for Gaza’s conquest and West Bank annexation, with the government recently approving numerous new settlements considered illegal under international law.
Saudi Arabia weighed in on Wednesday, expressing its “total rejection of the ideas and plans for colonisation and expansion adopted by the Israeli occupation authorities,” while reaffirming Palestinians’ “historical and legal right” to an independent state.
This marks the second time in recent months that Netanyahu has drawn regional ire, following his February suggestion that a Palestinian state could potentially be established on Saudi territory.
During Tuesday’s interview, the Israeli leader also revived contentious proposals regarding Gaza’s population, telling i24NEWS: “We are not pushing them out, but we are allowing them to leave” – echoing past controversial statements, including from former U.S. President Donald Trump, that raised international concerns about potential Palestinian displacement.