Greater Israel: is this concept real or imagined? For the longest time, Israel's enemies have claimed that Israel is an expansionist state waiting for the right time to appropriate not only the West Bank and Gaza, but also territories from sovereign nations surrounding Israel. Countries like Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria. The more pessimistic version includes Iraqi and Saudi territories.
Israel has established peaceful diplomatic relations with Egypt (Presidents Carter and Sadat and Prime Minister Begin in 26 March 1979) and Jordan (President Clinton, King Hussein and Prime Minister Rabin in 26 October 1994). Israel hopes to add Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords (President Trump, Foreign Ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and Israel's Prime Minister in September 15, 2020).
After 22 months of war in Gaza, Israel is on the verge of an invasion of the entire strip in order to completely destroy HAMAS. This decision comes despite strong objections from Israel's allies due to fears that this invasion will worsen the growing famine crisis in Gaza. Israel is currently trying to convince several Arab states to receive Palestinian refugees from the West Bank and Gaza.
In his infinite wisdom, Israel's Prime Minister thought that this is the right time to comment on the Greater Israel issue. During an i24 interview, he not only confirmed the vision, but also expressed the depth of his attachment. He sees himself as an historic leader devoted to achieving the generational aspirations of the Jewish people.
World leaders have expressed their intention to recognize a Palestinian state during the Upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. So far, 147 of 193 member states of the United Nations recognize a Palestinian state. All Ten members of the BRICS+ group recognize a Palestinian state. Five members of the Group of Seven have expressed intention to recognize a Palestinian State. Eleven members of the European Union already recognize a Palestinian State.
How does Israel's government intend to defend itself against an impending diplomatic disaster on the world stage? By threatening to upend a long established order in the Middle East. Offense is the best defense, after all.
