Morocco joins Arab nations in condemning Netanyahu's 'Greater Israel' plan

Morocco has signed a joint statement alongside more than 30 Arab and Muslim countries condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent endorsement of the controversial “Greater Israel” concept. This collective denunciation follows Netanyahu’s remarks during an August 12 interview with I24News, where he openly supported the expansionist doctrine, sparking outrage across the Arab world.

The statement, supported by the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), called Netanyahu’s stance a “flagrant violation of international law” and a “direct threat to Arab national security, sovereignty, and regional stability.”

Regional backlash and diplomatic condemnation

Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, criticized Netanyahu’s remarks as evidence of Israel’s colonial ambitions. Egypt, referencing its experience with Israeli occupation of Sinai after the 1967 war, demanded clarifications, labeling the statements as “provocations to instability.” Saudi Arabia reiterated its rejection of expansionist policies and reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state.

The joint statement also condemned Israeli Interior Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s approval of new settlements in the West Bank’s “E1” zone, an area critical to connecting East Jerusalem with the West Bank. Observers argue that these settlements aim to prevent the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state.

Jordan’s foreign ministry described Netanyahu’s comments as a “dangerous escalation” that undermined regional sovereignty, while Iraq denounced the remarks as “provocative” and reflective of Israel’s “expansionist ambitions.”

The ‘Greater Israel’ doctrine: Theology as cartography

Netanyahu’s endorsement aligns with the “Greater Israel” concept, an ultranationalist vision rooted in biblical references that extend Israel’s territory from the Nile River to the Euphrates. This maximalist ideology has long been a cornerstone of Israel’s far-right factions, transforming theological aspirations into political ambitions.

Critics argue this vision represents territorial irredentism dressed as religious doctrine, collapsing ethics into territorial expansion and redefining statecraft as a messianic project. Over decades, Israel has methodically implemented this vision, consolidating control over the West Bank, normalizing occupation through diplomatic agreements, and escalating military operations in Gaza.

For instance, the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in 1967, was unilaterally recognized as Israeli territory by the United States in 2019, exemplifying how contested territories are integrated into Israel’s long-term plans.

Escalation under Netanyahu and Israel’s far-right government

Netanyahu’s recent remarks add to a series of expansionist policies pursued under his leadership. In January 2024, he stated that Israel must retain “security control over all territory west of the Jordan River,” effectively endorsing a “river to sea” policy. Meanwhile, far-right officials such as Finance Minister Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have openly advocated for annexation and prioritized Jewish sovereignty over Palestinian rights.

Smotrich’s proposed “Decisive Plan” outlines bureaucratic strategies for permanent annexation, while Ben-Gvir has explicitly stated that Jewish rights in the West Bank override Palestinian freedom of movement. These policies, critics argue, reflect a shift from subtle diplomacy to unapologetic territorial expansion.

Strategic and demographic challenges

While Netanyahu’s rhetoric appeals to Israel’s ultranationalist base, critics warn it undermines international legitimacy and regional stability. Analysts argue that pursuing maximalist territorial ambitions alienates neighboring states, strengthens boycott movements, and entrenches Israel in perpetual conflict.

Demographically, the project faces significant hurdles. With only 15.8 million Jews worldwide – 7.3 million of whom live in Israel, representing less than 0.2% of the global population – critics assert that Israel lacks the human resources to sustain its expansionist ambitions.

Furthermore, maintaining “security control” over millions of Palestinians fosters instability rather than peace, perpetuating cycles of violence and militarization. This approach, critics say, corrodes Israel’s democratic values and transforms it into a state defined by permanent occupation.

Regional implications and the path forward

For Arab nations, Netanyahu’s remarks reaffirm long-standing concerns about Israel’s expansionist agenda and its dismissal of Palestinian statehood. The joint condemnation underscores a united front against policies that threaten regional sovereignty and peace prospects.

Observers note that Israel’s pursuit of the “Greater Israel” vision endangers normalization efforts with neighboring states, undermines potential alliances, and solidifies its image as a colonial power. As Arab nations continue to advocate for Palestinian self-determination, the region faces mounting challenges in countering Israel’s expansionist policies while striving for long-term stability.