The Perilous Pursuit of ‘Greater Israel’

The notion of Israel expanding into what is often described as “Greater Israel” has moved beyond fringe speculation and entered mainstream political discourse. Recent remarks by Israeli leadership, coupled with statements from American officials, have reignited concerns that the idea of a state stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates is being pursued with renewed seriousness.
Former Arkansas governor and current U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, speaking to conservative journalist Tucker Carlson, suggested that it “would be fine” if Israel claimed all the land corresponding to biblical borders. His comments implied not only the absorption of occupied Palestinian territories but also the annexation of parts of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Though he later described his words as hyperbolic, the damage was immediate. Outrage spread across Arab and Muslim states, prompting American diplomats to engage in damage control.
The ambassador’s remarks cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric. They reflect a powerful current within U.S. politics, particularly among Evangelical Christian Zionists, who view Israel’s expansion as a religious imperative. When such views are voiced by officials in positions of authority, they lend legitimacy to policies that already appear to be unfolding on the ground. Israel’s continued settlement expansion in the West Bank, its military presence in Gaza, and its occupation of Syrian and Lebanese territory all point toward a gradual consolidation of land that aligns with the “Greater Israel” vision.
This trajectory is deeply troubling. It signals not only the erosion of Palestinian sovereignty but also the destabilisation of the wider Middle East. The permanent colonisation of Palestinian lands, coupled with encroachments into neighbouring states, risks transforming a political conflict into a regional crisis with far-reaching consequences.
Equally concerning is the weakness of the Muslim world in responding to these developments. Divisions among Arab and Muslim states have left them unable to mount a unified strategy against Israeli expansionism. While condemnations and statements of outrage are issued, they rarely translate into coordinated diplomatic or economic measures. This lack of collective resolve emboldens Israel and its supporters, who interpret the absence of meaningful resistance as tacit acceptance.
The danger lies not only in the territorial ambitions themselves but in the ideological fervour driving them. When expansionist policies are framed as religious destiny, they become resistant to compromise and dialogue. This makes the prospect of a negotiated settlement increasingly remote. For Palestinians, the dream of statehood is pushed further into the distance. For neighbouring states, the threat of encroachment looms larger.
If unchecked, Israel may indeed move closer to realising its “promised land.” Preventing this requires more than rhetorical opposition. Arab and Muslim states must strengthen their unity, pursue coordinated diplomatic initiatives, and demand accountability through international institutions. The occupation of Palestinian, Syrian, and Lebanese lands must be challenged with sustained political and economic pressure.
The pursuit of “Greater Israel” is not simply a matter of historical myth or religious belief. It is a geopolitical project with the potential to destabilise the region for generations. The time for angry words has passed. What is needed now is decisive, collective action to safeguard sovereignty, uphold international law, and protect the rights of those living under occupation.