Israeli Minister Advocates for Expansion of Borders to Encompass Greater Israel
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for Israel to expand its borders to include regions extending to Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, representing a broader far-right aspiration for the ‘Greater Israel’ project. His remarks during an interview with Arte Reportage reflect an ongoing trend in Israeli politics amid continued military operations in Gaza, which have led to significant humanitarian crises and severe international criticism.
In a recent interview with the Franco-German Arte Reportage channel for the documentary “Israel: Extremists in Power,” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich articulated a vision of expanding Israel’s borders to include territories extending to the Jordan River, the Syrian capital of Damascus, and other nations, such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia. He expressed a desire for a Jewish state that embodies the values of the Jewish people and indicated an incremental approach to territorial expansion, stating, “Okay, bit by bit.” Smotrich emphasized that accordance with scripture suggests that Jerusalem’s future should expand to Damascus, reinforcing his ambitions by stating, “Only Jerusalem, until Damascus.” These declarations resonated with sentiments from the far-right factions within Israel’s current government, reflecting aspirations for the so-called ‘Greater Israel’ project, which seeks to incorporate not just Palestinian territories but also lands in neighboring countries including Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. This discourse gained traction following the escalation of hostilities in Gaza since October 7, 2023, despite international calls for restraint and ceasefire. On a broader scale, Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has displayed maps at international forums asserting that the West Bank and Gaza should be regarded as integral parts of Israel. Such expressions reflect a growing acceptance of extremist ideologies within parts of Israeli society, even as the country continues military operations in Gaza, leading to accusations of genocide by international observers and human rights organizations. Since the onset of this conflict, reports indicate a staggering loss of life, with tens of thousands of casualties and significant humanitarian crises resulting from ongoing military actions, exacerbating an already desperate situation for displaced Palestinians.
The concept of ‘Greater Israel,’ which advocates for territorial expansion of Israel to encompass significant portions of historical Palestine and surrounding countries, has long been a contentious subject in international relations and Middle Eastern politics. The ideology is deeply intertwined with Zionist declarations and has gained renewed prominence among far-right Israeli politicians amidst recent escalations in violence related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ongoing military actions in Gaza, particularly since October 7, 2023, have drawn severe criticism globally, with accusations of violations of international law and humanitarian rights abuses. The context surrounding these statements by government officials reveals a concerning trend where territorial ambitions are pursued amid humanitarian crises, prompting international scrutiny.
The recent statements by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich underscore a significant and troubling direction in Israeli politics, as aspirations for a ‘Greater Israel’ coincide with ongoing military actions in Gaza that have resulted in extensive loss of life and humanitarian devastation. These ambitions reveal a radical interpretation of territorial claims that go beyond current borders and have become part of the national discourse. The international community continues to call for restraint while addressing the critical human rights implications arising from the conflict.
Original Source: www.palestinechronicle.com
