Arab States Condemn Netanyahu’s ‘Greater Israel’ Remarks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Arab states and international organizations condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks expressing attachment to the vision of a “Greater Israel,” calling them a threat to regional sovereignty and peace. Critics say the comments violate international law and fuel instability. The backlash comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and pending international war crimes cases against Netanyahu.
Netanyahu ‘Greater Israel’ Controversy Quick Looks
- Netanyahu told i24 News he is “very attached” to the Greater Israel vision
- Term refers to Israeli expansion including West Bank, Gaza, Golan Heights
- Some interpretations extend to parts of Jordan and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula
- Egypt: remarks fuel instability, reject peace prospects
- Jordan: dangerous escalation, violation of UN Charter
- Palestine: threat to regional stability, disregard for rights
- Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen denounce expansionist ideology
- Arab League: serious threat to Arab national security
- OIC: colonial rhetoric undermines international obligations
- Hamas: evidence of expansionist danger to the region
- Over 61,700 Palestinians killed in Gaza since Oct. 2023
Deep Look: Arab States Condemn Netanyahu’s ‘Greater Israel’ Remarks as Threat to Sovereignty
ISTANBUL — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public embrace of the “Greater Israel” concept has sparked widespread condemnation from Arab states and major regional organizations, with leaders warning the comments threaten sovereignty, destabilize the Middle East, and undermine international law.
Speaking to Israeli news channel i24 on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he feels “very attached” to the idea of Greater Israel and described himself as being on a “historic and spiritual mission” that spans generations of Jewish history.
Regional Outrage
Egypt demanded clarification from Israel, warning the remarks “fuel instability and show rejection of peace” in the region. Its Foreign Ministry stressed that the only path forward is a return to negotiations, an end to the Gaza war, and the creation of a Palestinian state.
The comments “contradict the aspirations of regional and international parties that value peace and seek to achieve security and peace for all the peoples of the region,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.
“The only path to peace is through a return to negotiations and ending the war on Gaza, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
Jordan called the statements “a dangerous and provocative escalation” and “a violation of international law and the UN Charter.” The Foreign Ministry said such “delusional claims” would not diminish Palestinian rights and only perpetuate cycles of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Amman urged the international community to act against “provocative measures” threatening regional and global stability.
“These delusional claims, which are reflected in the statements of Israeli officials, will not affect Jordan and the Arab states and will not diminish the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,” it added in a statement.
“These claims and delusions adopted and promoted by the extremists of the Israeli government encourage the continuation of cycles of violence and conflict” in Gaza and the West Bank, the ministry said.
The Palestinian Authority described Netanyahu’s words as “a dangerous provocation” and a “disregard” for Palestinian rights. It reiterated its demand for an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Yemen labeled the remarks a “blatant violation” of UN resolutions and international law, warning they could push the region into further instability.
The ministry warned that “the continuation of these Israeli policies would push the region toward further tension and instability.”
Qatar said the comments represent “an extension of the occupation’s arrogance” and a blatant infringement on sovereignty. Doha reaffirmed support for a just and comprehensive peace settlement.
Saudi Arabia rejected “expansionist ideas and projects” and reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to an independent, sovereign state.
In a statement, the Arab League denounced Israel’s “aggressive and expansionist tendencies,” calling it “a serious threat to collective Arab national security.”
Kuwait also condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, with its Foreign Ministry calling them:
“an unacceptable violation of international law and a direct assault on the sovereignty of Arab states.” The statement reaffirmed Kuwait’s “firm and historic position in support of the Palestinian cause,” stressing that peace in the region can only be achieved through ending the occupation, establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, and ensuring East Jerusalem as its capital. Kuwait urged the United Nations and the wider international community to “take urgent and decisive action” to halt Israel’s expansionist rhetoric and policies.
Institutional Condemnation
The Arab League warned the comments reflect “aggressive and expansionist tendencies” posing a “serious threat to collective Arab national security.”
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said Netanyahu’s rhetoric attempts to evade Israel’s obligations as an occupying power and violates Palestinians’ right to self-determination. It warned that such “colonial, expansionist” language fuels violence and prolongs conflict.
It warned “of the dangers of this colonial, expansionist rhetoric, which poses a threat to regional and international peace and security, fuels the cycle of violence, and prolongs and expands the conflict in the region.”
The Palestinian group Hamas said the remarks “underscore the danger this fascist entity poses to all the countries and peoples of the region.”
Context: Gaza War and International Cases
Netanyahu’s comments come amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched in October 2023, which has killed over 61,700 Palestinians, nearly half of them women and children, according to Gaza health officials.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) related to its Gaza offensive.
Regional analysts warn that Netanyahu’s latest statements could further inflame tensions at a time when prospects for a ceasefire or renewed peace negotiations remain dim. With the conflict intensifying and casualties mounting, critics say expansionist rhetoric risks erasing any remaining diplomatic ground for a two-state solution.
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