Several Arab countries have strongly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he appeared to endorse the idea of a “Greater Israel” — a concept that includes not only present-day Israel and the Palestinian territories, but also parts of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
In an interview with i24NEWS on Tuesday, Netanyahu was asked if he supported this vision. He replied, “Absolutely… we’re there,” before shifting to comments about Israel’s founding and its mission to survive.
Arab backlash was swift:
- Jordan called the remarks a “dangerous and provocative escalation” and “a threat to the sovereignty of states.”
- Egypt demanded clarification, saying the idea rejects “the option of peace in the region.”
- Iraq accused Israel of “expansionist ambitions” and provoking other nations.
- Qatar described the statements as “absurd” and “inflammatory.”
- Saudi Arabia rejected “colonisation and expansion,” reaffirming Palestinians’ right to an independent state.
The comments come during the ongoing 22-month war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, which has already spilled over into neighbouring countries. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition members have been pushing for the conquest of Gaza and annexation of the West Bank, where Israel recently approved new settlements considered illegal under international law.
Netanyahu also repeated his call to “allow” Palestinians to leave Gaza, telling the broadcaster, “We are not pushing them out, but we are allowing them to leave.”
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