‘Greater Israel’ Zionist Aspirations, Palestinian Plight, and Global Implications

The allure of a ‘Greater Israel’ risks undermining the very foundations of peace, coexistence, and stability, both for Israelis and Palestinians, and for a world that has long been invested in the quest for resolution.

Written by

Dr. M. Iqbal Siddiqui

Published on

October 29, 2024

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s recent assassination marks a grim turning point in the ongoing Israel-Palestine genocide. Located by an Israeli patrol unit in Rafah’s Tal as-Sultan neighbourhood, Sinwar was martyred after an intense exchange of fire and a decisive tank and missile strike. Israeli forces, with U.S. intelligence collaboration, celebrated his death as a major achievement, with Prime Minister Netanyahu declaring it could be “the beginning of the end” for Hamas. This high-profile killing is part of a larger, relentless pursuit of “Greater Israel,” a concept rooted in Biblical tradition and Jewish history that has shaped Israeli politics, society, and policy toward Palestinians for decades.

Although not universally embraced, this vision continues to drive Israel’s expansionist ambitions, influencing both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the wider Middle Eastern landscape. The intertwined narratives of religious belief, Zionist nationalism, and Palestinian resistance in this quest create a complex and enduring dilemma that reverberates far beyond the region, particularly within the Muslim world.

Historical and Religious Roots of ‘Greater Israel’

The term ‘Greater Israel’ stems from Biblical promises made to the Prophet Abraham in the Torah. According to Jewish scripture, God promised Abraham and his descendants land stretching from the River of Egypt (interpreted as the Nile) to the Euphrates. This Biblical land includes modern-day Israel and parts of Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, forming the territorial foundation for the idea of ‘Greater Israel’. These Biblical boundaries have long been cited by Zionist Jews as a divine promise, leading to the view that the Jewish people have an inherent right to control these lands.

In Deuteronomy 11:24 and Joshua 1:4, the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Euphrates is further emphasised, creating a significant religious foundation for this territorial claim. For some, this promise is not merely historical but also a future prophecy, to be fulfilled either through political means or, in some Jewish religious interpretations, during the Messianic age.

Modern Pursuit of ‘Greater Israel’ in Netanyahu’s Policies

In a recent address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined a plan for Gaza and the West Bank that aligns closely with ‘Greater Israel’ ambitions, advocating Israeli military oversight over Gaza with control of key sections like the Philadelphia and Netzarim Corridors, effectively erasing Gaza as a civilian territory. He proposed that displaced Palestinians be managed by a local civil authority, thereby limiting Israel’s responsibility for their welfare.

The West Bank, shown as fully annexed on his map, reflects Israel’s expansionist approach, diminishing Palestinian autonomy as Jewish settlements expand across historic Palestinian lands. By omitting any reference to a Palestinian state, Netanyahu’s plan intensifies the concept of a single, Jewish-dominated state from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River.

This unilateral move not only undermines Palestinian sovereignty and international two-state solution proposals but also risks escalating regional tensions and resistance, fuellinginstability across neighbouring Arab states.

Zionism and Modern Political Movement

Zionism, a political movement that began in the late 19th century, was initially more focused on securing a Jewish homeland in Palestine, rather than achieving the Biblical boundaries of ‘Greater Israel’. Theodor Herzl and other early Zionist leaders were pragmatic in their approach, focusing on establishing a safe haven for Jews fleeing persecution, primarily in Europe. However, as Israel gained military and political power, particularly following the 1967 Six-Day War, the concept of ‘Greater Israel’ gained traction among certain Zionist factions.

The Six-Day War resulted in Israel capturing significant territories, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. These victories were seen by some hardline Zionists, particularly the religious right, as steps toward fulfilling the Biblical promise of ‘Greater Israel’. Among religious Zionists and nationalist factions, the idea of expanding Israel’s borders to include these territories became not only a political goal but also a religious imperative.

 

Jewish Religious and Zionist Perspectives on the Land

Jewish religious teachings emphasise the belief that Jews are the “Chosen People,” tasked with a unique covenantal responsibility toward God. This chosenness, while often interpreted as a responsibility rather than a privilege, has been used by some nationalist factions to justify a divine right to the land of Israel. The land is seen not just as a historical homeland but as an integral part of Jewish religious destiny.

In some interpretations of Jewish eschatology, the eventual arrival of the ‘Messiah’ will restore the Davidic kingdom, uniting all the Biblical territories under Jewish control.

While many religious Jews interpret the Torah’s commandments as a call for ethical leadership and spiritual guidance, some Zionist factions take a more literal approach to the concept of ‘Greater Israel’, pushing for the annexation of the West Bank and other territories based on Biblical promises.

 

Zionist Nationalism: The Religious and Secular Divide

Zionism, though rooted in Jewish history and identity, is not a monolithic movement. Secular Zionists, particularly in its early stages, were largely focused on establishing a democratic and safe homeland for Jews. However, over time, particularly with the rise of Revisionist Zionism led by figures like Ze’ev Jabotinsky, expansionism became more central to certain factions. Revisionist Zionists advocated for a Jewish state on both sides of the Jordan River, aligning closely with the Biblical concept of Greater Israel.

Religious Zionists, on the other hand, blend Zionist political goals with religious teachings, viewing the land of Israel as a divinely ordained inheritance. Among the settlers in the West Bank, many hold a messianic belief that the re-establishment of ‘Greater Israel’ is part of God’s plan, with Palestinians seen as obstacles to this divine destiny.

 

Attitudes Toward Palestinians and Non-Jews

The interplay of Jewish religious teachings and Zionist nationalism has shaped attitudes toward Palestinians and other non-Jews in significant ways. Jewish law, or Halakha, delineates clear differences between the obligations of Jews and non-Jews. While non-Jews, or Gentiles, are not inherently viewed as inferior, they are bound by the Seven Noahide Laws, a universal moral code, while Jews are bound by the more extensive 613 mitzvot (commandments).

In the religious context, the “Chosen People” status of Jews underscores their unique covenant with God, a concept that has been interpreted in various ways, from a call for higher ethical standards to more nationalistic views that prioritise Jewish claims over non-Jews’ rights.

In some nationalist circles, particularly among the religious far-right in Israel, this covenantal relationship is interpreted as giving Jews exclusive rights to the land, sidelining the claims and rights of Palestinians. This exclusionary attitude is reflected in the settlement movement, where Jewish settlers in the West Bank view Palestinians as trespassers on what they consider divinely ordained Jewish land. Among these groups, Palestinians are often seen as either temporary inhabitants or as a demographic threat that must be managed through segregation or displacement.

 

Zionist Nationalism and the Palestinian Conflict

In Zionist nationalist thought, particularly among hardline factions, Palestinians are often viewed as obstacles to the establishment of ‘Greater Israel’. This perception has led to policies that marginalise Palestinians, pushing for their exclusion from political and civil rights within Israeli-controlled territories.

The expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, often seen as a strategy to create facts on the ground, reflects this exclusionary approach. By physically asserting control over Palestinian land, these settlers aim to make the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible.

For Palestinians, this expansionism represents an existential threat. The displacement, land confiscation, and limited autonomy imposed on them have only deepened their sense of dispossession and fuelled resistance. Palestinian political movements, from Fatah to Hamas, have mobilised around the idea of resisting Israeli occupation and reclaiming their own national identity.

 

International Implications of ‘Greater Israel’

The pursuit of ‘Greater Israel’ has far-reaching implications, not only for Israel and Palestine but also for the wider Middle East and global politics. The aggressive expansion of settlements and the continued occupation of Palestinian territories are likely to perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has long been a focal point of tension in the Middle East.

 

Regional Instability

The vision of ‘Greater Israel’ poses a significant threat to regional stability. Neighbouring countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria view Israeli expansionism with suspicion and alarm. The continued occupation of Palestinian territories fuels anger and resentment across the Arab world, heightening tensions between Israel and its neighbours. Countries like Iran have used Israel’s expansionist policies as a rallying point, supporting Palestinian resistance groups and positioning themselves as defenders of Palestinian rights.

 

Impact on the Muslim World

For the Muslim world, the issue of Jerusalem is particularly sensitive. As a city sacred to Islam, any Israeli attempt to assert full control over Jerusalem could provoke a backlash across Muslim-majority countries. Jerusalem’s symbolic importance, coupled with the ongoing occupation of Palestinian lands, makes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a central issue in Islamic political discourse.

The pursuit of ‘Greater Israel,’ especially if it includes the annexation of Jerusalem and the West Bank, would likely inflame tensions with the Muslim world, potentially leading to increased radicalisation and the rise of extremist groups. The conflict could also destabilise countries with significant Arab populations, as their governments face pressure from their citizens to take a stronger stance against Israel.

 

Global Political Ramifications

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long drawn in global powers, with the United States playing a central role in supporting Israel’s security and political interests.

However, an aggressive push for ‘Greater Israel’ could further polarise international opinion, with some countries siding with Palestine and others with Israel. Increased U.S. involvement in the conflict, particularly under administrations sympathetic to Israeli expansionism, could deepen global divisions and lead to greater instability in the Middle East.

 

A Vision Fraught with Danger

The aspiration for ‘Greater Israel,’ steeped in both religious fervour and nationalist ambition, holds deep implications that extend far beyond the immediate confines of the Israel-Palestine conflict. As exemplified by the assassination of Yahya Sinwar, a pivotal figure in Hamas leadership, the pursuit of this vision is not merely a matter of territorial ambition; it harbours the potential to destabilise the broader Middle East and reshape global political alignments.

For Palestinians, this has become a relentless struggle for existence, identity, and rights in the face of a narrative that seeks to erase their presence from their ancestral lands. For the international community, the implications are equally troubling. The relentless push for expansion, if unwavering, risks igniting a wave of wider regional antagonism, with Jerusalem serving as a flashpoint that could rekindle nationalist sentiments across the Muslim world and fuel new cycles of extremism. The precarious balance that has defined Middle Eastern geopolitics is hence threatened, propelling not only a humanitarian crisis but also igniting geopolitical tensions that could significantly reconfigure alliances and antagonisms.

As Netanyahu’s government leans further into this expansionist vision, the question must be posed: at what cost? The allure of a ‘Greater Israel’ risks undermining the very foundations of peace, coexistence, and stability, both for Israelis and Palestinians, and for a world that has long been invested in the quest for resolution. In the end, the promise of a future shaped by a singular narrative may emerge as a perilous gamble – one that could leave both peoples, and indeed the world, grappling with the haunting shadows of unresolved conflict. The need for dialogue, recognition, and a shared future has never been more pressing; continued ambition without compromise may only sow the seeds for a more divided and tumultuous tomorrow.

[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]

 

 

Timeline of the Major Events of Israel Hamas War

October 7, 2023: Hamas launches a surprise assault on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel retaliates with intensive airstrikes on Gaza, and an official state of war is declared.

October 8-15, 2023: Israel mobilises 300,000 reservists, imposes a blockade on Gaza, and cuts off fuel, electricity, and water. US and allied nations deploy military support to Israel, while humanitarian conditions deteriorate rapidly in Gaza.

October 25 – November 2023: Ground operations escalate, with Israel targeting Hamas strongholds in Gaza, including hospitals and densely populated areas. The UN and aid organisations report catastrophic health and humanitarian conditions. Sporadic ceasefire efforts fail as regional actors, including Hezbollah, increase rocket attacks.

December 2023 – February 2024: The conflict spreads regionally, with hostilities on Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah, attacks from Yemen’s Houthis, and escalated clashes in the West Bank. International mediations lead to short-lived truces, and Israel conducts targeted strikes on Gaza infrastructure and Hamas leaders.

March – May 2024: Hamas stages sporadic cross-border attacks, while Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza, targeting Hamas’ remaining infrastructure. Civilian casualties rise sharply, and the UN warns of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Protests and global appeals for a ceasefire grow.

June – August 2024: Hostilities continue with intermittent pauses for humanitarian aid, but no lasting ceasefire is established. Israel begins relocating border communities affected by Hezbollah rockets. Regional tensions flare with increased clashes along Israel-Lebanon and Israel-Syria borders.

September 2024: Under mounting international pressure, a conditional ceasefire is agreed upon, with humanitarian corridors established in Gaza. Mediators propose frameworks for prisoner exchanges, but full-scale negotiations stall as both sides continue sporadic hostilities.

October 17, 2024: An explosion at Gaza’s al-Ahli Arab Hospital kills hundreds, leading to international condemnation and protests across the world, as Israel and Palestinian groups give conflicting explanations of the blast. News surfaced about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s assassination while fighting a group of Israeli trainee soldiers.

October 18, 2024: Hamas confirmed Yahya Sinwar’s death while engaged in battle in Tal as-Sultan, Rafah, on October 16.

October 25, 2024: The situation remains fragile, with periodic escalations and ongoing humanitarian crises. Both sides agree to a 24-hour ceasefire to allow international mediators to discuss a potential resolution, but tensions are high as both Israel and Hamas refuse to fully demilitarise. The war’s toll has reached catastrophic levels, affecting millions and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.