RIYADH: Arab countries and regional organisations have joined Saudi Arabia in condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks expressing support for a so-called “Greater Israel.”
In an interview with i24 News on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he is “very attached” to the vision of a “Greater Israel.”
The term is widely interpreted as an expansionist vision of Israeli territory that encompasses East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, and parts of neighboring Arab countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, rejected the “settlement and expansionist ideas and projects” adopted by Israeli authorities.
The ministry also affirmed that the Palestinian people hold a historical and legal right to establish an independent and sovereign state on their land, in accordance with relevant international laws.
“The Kingdom warns the international community against the Israeli occupation’s persistence in flagrant violations that undermine the foundations of international legitimacy, blatantly violate the sovereignty of states, and threaten regional and global security and peace,” the ministry said.
Regional leaders
The Palestinian Authority echoed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of Netanyahu’s remarks, describing them as a “disregard for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” and a “dangerous provocation” that threatens regional security. It reaffirmed its commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry stated that the comments reflect “the occupation’s approach rooted in arrogance, fuelling crises and conflicts, and blatantly infringing on the sovereignty of states.”
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said such rhetoric runs counter to both regional and international aspirations for peace and stability. The ministry called for a return to negotiations, an end to the war in Gaza, and the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Netanyahu’s statements as a “dangerous and provocative escalation.” Spokesperson Sufyan Qudah said the “absurd delusions” expressed by Israeli officials will neither affect Jordan and other Arab nations nor undermine the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. He also urged the international community to take action to stop incitement that threatens regional stability and global peace.
Yemen reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people, underscoring their right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Yemeni Foreign Ministry called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take urgent measures to halt these violations and hold Israeli leaders accountable.
Regional organisations
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi also denounced the remarks, calling them a sheer violation of the UN Charter and international law, and a blatant attack on the sovereignty and unity of Arab states.
He warned that such statements pose a direct threat to regional and global stability and reaffirmed the GCC’s categorical rejection of any attempts to undermine the territorial integrity of Arab countries.
Albudaiwi called on the international community to take a firm stance against what he described as provocative statements and to safeguard the region from actions that could escalate tensions and undermine the prospects for a just and comprehensive peace.
The Arab League also strongly condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, describing them as a blatant disregard for the sovereignty of Arab states and a serious threat to collective Arab security. It said the statements reflected “expansionist and aggressive intentions” rooted in “colonial delusions,” and urged the UN Security Council to respond decisively to confront such extremist rhetoric.
