Middle east tensions: Netanyahu's 'greater Israel' comments spark criticism; Arab nations slam 'delusional claims'
The term refers to a biblical interpretation of Israel's borders during the reign of King Solomon, stretching beyond the current Palestinian territories of Gaza and the occupied West Bank to include parts of present-day Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Ultra-nationalist Israelis have called for these areas to be occupied.
When asked on Tuesday by i24NEWS interviewer Sharon Gal whether he supported such a 'vision' for a Greater Israel, Netanyahu replied 'absolutely', adding, 'If you ask me what I think, we're there.'
He then spoke about the founding of Israel and the 'great mission' of ensuring its survival.
Neighbouring Jordan condemned the comments on Wednesday as a 'dangerous and provocative escalation' and 'a threat to the sovereignty of states'.
A spokesman for its foreign ministry rejected what he called Netanyahu's 'inflammatory' rhetoric and 'delusional claims'.
Egypt had also 'requested clarification on this matter', describing it as amounting to a 'rejection of the option of peace in the region'.
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The remarks come amid a 22-month war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, which has repeatedly spilled over into the wider region, fuelling tensions and drawing frequent Arab condemnation.
On Thursday, Iraq's foreign ministry said Netanyahu's words showed Israel's 'expansionist ambitions' and were 'a clear provocation to the sovereignty of countries'. Gaza mediator Qatar also condemned the comments, calling them 'absurd' and 'inflammatory'.
The suggestion of an enlarged Israel comes as far-right members of Netanyahu's cabinet press for the conquest of Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank, where the government recently approved a wave of new settlements deemed illegal under international law.
Saudi Arabia on Wednesday voiced 'its total rejection of the ideas and plans for colonisation and expansion adopted by the Israeli occupation authorities', reaffirming 'the historical and legal right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state'.
In February, Netanyahu caused anger among Arab states when, in a television interview, he suggested a Palestinian state could be set up on Saudi land.
During Tuesday's interview, he also renewed calls to 'allow' Palestinians to leave Gaza, telling i24NEWS, 'We are not pushing them out, but we are allowing them to leave.'
Previous suggestions to resettle Gazans outside the war-ravaged territory, including from US president Donald Trump, have sparked fears of displacement among Palestinians and drawn condemnation from the international community.
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