Amid the widening US-Iran conflict and Israel's renewed ground offensive in southern Lebanon, debate has intensified over the long-contested idea of a “Greater Israel” project - a political concept that critics say is being revived by Israel's military actions, even as Jerusalem insists its operations are aimed at security, not expansion.
What Is ‘Greater Israel'?
The term “Greater Israel” refers to a historical and ideological concept envisioning a Jewish state extending beyond present-day Israel's borders. In its broadest interpretation, it includes territories stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates, covering parts of modern-day Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
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The idea traces back to the late 19th century and is often linked to Theodor Herzl, the Hungarian-born Jewish journalist and founder of political Zionism.
In his diaries on Oct. 14, 1898, Herzl recorded a discussion with his Zionist colleague Max Bodenheimer about the possible borders of a future Jewish homeland, noting: “Area: from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates" though its roots are also tied to biblical references.
It gained prominence after the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel captured territories including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights.
But, the idea entered the Israeli mainstream after the 1977 Knesset elections, when the right-wing Likud party, founded in 1973, defeated the left-wing alliance known as The Alignment.
Likud's 1977 platform stated, "The right of the Jewish people to the land of Israel is eternal and indisputable and is linked with the right to security and peace; therefore, Judea and Samaria will not be handed to any foreign administration; between the Sea and the Jordan there will only be Israeli sovereignty."
This would later lead to Israeli policies that led to the permanent occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Golan Heights even as the Sinai Peninsula was ceded back to Egypt.
Why Is It Being Discussed Now?
The debate has resurfaced following Israel's recent ground offensive into southern Lebanon, aimed at pushing back Hezbollah forces and creating a buffer zone along its northern border. These actions come amid a broader regional conflict involving Iran, raising fears among critics that military operations could extend beyond immediate security objectives.
While Israel maintains that its actions are defensive, some observers argue that the scale and scope of operations have revived questions about long-term territorial ambitions.
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Political Statements and Controversies
The issue has also gained traction due to statements by political leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced scrutiny over past remarks linked to the concept. According to reports, when asked in a 2025 interview about a Greater Israel vision, he responded affirmatively. These comments have since been widely debated.
Additionally, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has drawn criticism for displaying a map that appeared to include territories beyond Israel's current borders, and for remarks interpreted by critics as expansionist.
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