August 15, 2025 | 01:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again made controversial remarks, this time during an interview with i24 News, where he openly expressed his strong affinity for the concept of "Greater Israel," as reported by Middle East Eye.
Netanyahu stated that he sees himself on a "historic and spiritual mission" for the Jewish people. He emphasized a deep connection to the concept of Greater Israel, a vision that would expand the country's current borders to potentially include territories designated for a future Palestinian state, as well as parts of Jordan and Egypt.
When asked about this vision, he emphatically stated that he feels "very" connected to it. He described his mission as one that connects the dreams of past Jewish generations with those yet to come.
What is the Concept of Greater Israel?
The term "Greater Israel" originated from the 1967 Six-Day War and refers to Israel along with the territories it captured during the conflict. These include East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights. Historically, some early Zionists, such as Ze'ev Jabotinsky (a predecessor of Netanyahu's Likud Party), envisioned these territories also encompassing modern-day Jordan, according to the Times of Israel.
During the interview, interviewer Sharon Gal presented Netanyahu with an amulet depicting the map of Greater Israel, jokingly remarking that he did not want to complicate the ongoing legal investigations against the Prime Minister regarding allegations of receiving lavish gifts.
This vision is deeply rooted in the political tradition of Likud and is closely related to Revisionist Zionism. Critics of Netanyahu argue that the government's settlement expansion reflects this ideology, creating a reality on the ground that could impede the future existence of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu's broad vision aligns with similar views held by some members of his government.
For instance, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly supported the idea of territorial expansion that could stretch to Damascus and potentially include parts of Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu's support for Greater Israel, he opined, reflects a nationalist and religious mission to reshape regional borders and assert Israel's sovereignty over territories beyond internationally recognized boundaries.
The Response from Arab Countries
According to The Arab Weekly, regional analysts are debating whether Netanyahu's statements are intended to strengthen his ties with ultra-nationalist groups within his government or are simply an expression of a long-held belief.
Analysts believe these statements are likely to damage Israel's ambitions to "integrate" these territories, as they project an image of unbridled expansionism.
Netanyahu's recent comments have provoked anger among neighboring Arab countries. The Arab League regards the statements as "reflecting expansionist and aggressive intentions that cannot be accepted or tolerated, exposing an extremist mindset steeped in colonial delusions."
In a statement released on Tuesday, the League said the comments pose "a serious threat to collective Arab national security and a flagrant challenge to international law and the principles of international legitimacy."
Netanyahu's comments have drawn significant reactions from Arab countries and regional actors, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt. All have condemned his statements as provocative, destabilizing, and reflective of colonial and expansionist intentions. They emphasized the threat posed by such views to regional and global stability and reaffirmed their commitment to peace efforts based on internationally recognized borders.
Netanyahu also stated that Israel intends to allow Palestinians in Gaza to leave the combat zone during ongoing military operations. This stance is considered controversial due to its implications for Palestinian residents and neighboring countries, as well as its challenge to established international norms and prospects for peace in the region.
Editor's Choice: Israel's Killing of Journalists in Gaza Rings Alarm on Press Freedom
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia to Airdrop 800 Tons of Humanitarian Aid into Gaza
1 hari lalu
Indonesia deploys the second Garuda Merah Putih Task Force for a humanitarian mission to Gaza, Palestine, through an airdrop mechanism.
Israeli Military Chief Denied Entry to Defense Minister's Office Amid Rising Tensions
1 hari lalu
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir was barred from the office of Defense Minister Israel Katz despite a scheduled meeting between them.
Australia to Recognize State of Palestine in September
3 hari lalu
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the country will recognize Palestine at the upcoming UNGA in September. Albania conditions the recognition on reforms by the Palestinian Authority.
Netanyahu Announces New Offensive in Gaza to Begin Soon
3 hari lalu
Netanyahu's announcement came after the security cabinet approved a controversial plan to take over Gaza City last Friday.
Thousands of Israelis Rally in Tel Aviv, Demanding End to Gaza War
4 hari lalu
Thousands of Israeli citizens filled Tel Aviv to demand an end to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Israel Issues Evacuation Order for Gaza Ahead of October 7 Deadline
5 hari lalu
In Israel, the families of hostages held by militants in Gaza and opposition leaders have publicly condemned Netanyahu's decision to occupy Gaza.
Today's Top 3 News: Government Probes Reports of Ex-IDF Soldiers Running Villas in Bali
5 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Trump Reportedly Scolds Netanyahu Over Gaza Starvation Claims
5 hari lalu
U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly expressed anger over the starvation crisis in Gaza caused by an Israeli blockade.
Egypt Seeks $35 Billion Gas Deal with Israel Despite Gaza Conflict
6 hari lalu
Despite Egypt's increasing criticism and frustration over Israel's genocide in Gaza, the two countries continue to make deals considered necessary for Cairo.
Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Plan to Take Over Entire Gaza
6 hari lalu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced a plan to take over the entire Gaza.
