Benjamin Netanyahu government releases Greater Israel map, sparks massive outrage in Arab world

A diplomatic uproar has erupted across the Arab world following the release of a controversial map by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The map, published on its Arabic-language social media account, depicts what it claims to be the ancient Kingdom of Israel.

This depiction includes significant portions of modern-day Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, sparking widespread condemnation from Arab nations who view it as an affront to their sovereignty.

The map, shared with a detailed historical narrative, references the biblical Kingdom of Israel established 3,000 years ago under King Saul and later ruled by King David and King Solomon.

The social media post emphasised the cultural, religious and economic development during this era, portraying the map as part of Israel’s historical legacy.

However, the depiction of “Greater Israel”, extending into neighbouring countries, has been widely criticised as a potential indication of expansionist ambitions.

WIDESPREAD PROTESTS IN ARAB NATIONS

Israel’s map publication has drawn sharp reactions from Jordan, Qatar, the UAE and other Arab nations.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the map’s portrayal as a deliberate attempt to undermine Palestinian statehood and regional stability.

“The depiction constitutes accusations and confusion promoted by Israel’s right-wing to obstruct the establishment of a Palestinian state,” a spokesperson said. The ministry further emphasised the need for international intervention to address Israel’s alleged expansionist agenda.

The UAE condemned Israeli government-linked social media for publishing a “historical Israel” map that included occupied Palestinian territories and parts of neighbouring countries. Calling it a deliberate extension of occupation and a violation of international laws, the UAE’s Foreign Ministry rejected such provocative actions. It warned these practices undermine peace efforts and threaten regional stability.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joined the chorus of condemnation, labelling the map’s claims as extremist and a blatant violation of international laws. “Such allegations demonstrate Israeli intentions to consolidate occupation and violate the sovereignty of states,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said, urging global powers to take immediate action.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also denounced the map as a “blatant violation” of international norms. In its official statement, Qatar warned that such actions could derail peace efforts in the region.

“The international community must pressure Israel to respect international legitimacy and curb its expansionist ambitions,” the ministry said.

THE ‘GREATER ISRAEL’ CONTROVERSY

Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria have reignited debate over its territorial ambitions, linked to the concept of “Greater Israel.” But what’s the origin of this idea?

Rooted in the Torah, “Greater Israel” envisions land stretching from the Euphrates to the Nile, covering parts of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Gaza and the West Bank.

It gained momentum after Israel’s 1967 Six-Day War victories, when the Movement for Greater Israel advocated permanent settlement in newly seized territories.

Controversy grew with statements like Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s remark in 2024, saying, “The future of Jerusalem is to expand to Damascus.”

Similarly, a now-deleted The Jerusalem Post article questioned whether Lebanon was part of Israel’s “promised territory”, sparking backlash.

Symbolism adds fuel to the fire, with critics interpreting the blue stripes on Israel’s flag as representing the Nile and Euphrates rivers – an idea the Jewish nation denies.

Claims like Yasser Arafat’s 1990 assertion about Israel’s ten agorot coin depicting “Greater Israel” have also been dismissed.

Amid rhetoric, military actions, and symbolic interpretations, the “Greater Israel” narrative persists, leaving the world questioning whether it’s myth, policy or political posturing.

Palestinian authorities, including the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, have also condemned the map, calling it an extension of Israeli occupation. The Palestinian leadership has urged the UN to intervene and hold Israel accountable for what they describe as actions undermining peace efforts.

The controversy has once again brought attention to the unresolved tensions in the Middle East, with Arab nations rallying to protect their territorial sovereignty.