Dubai – The statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he explicitly linked himself to the concept of a “Greater Israel”, have sparked widespread condemnation across the Arab world. This comes as Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue, with the military approving plans for a reoccupation of the region.
The Arab League condemned Netanyahu’s remarks regarding the appropriation of parts of sovereign Arab territories to establish what he termed a Greater Israel. In a statement released yesterday, the League’s Secretary-General asserted that Netanyahu’s comments represent an infringement on the sovereignty of Arab nations and threaten regional security and stability.
They emphasized that such statements pose a serious threat to the collective Arab national security and blatantly challenge international law and principles of legitimacy. The remarks reflect aggressive and expansionist intentions that cannot be tolerated, revealing a mindset steeped in colonial illusions, as stated in the release.
Gulf Cooperation Council
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem al-Budaiwi, also denounced Netanyahu’s comments, deeming them a “flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, and a blatant assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.”
In a statement, he further noted that such dangerous rhetoric and plans directly threaten regional and international peace and stability, clearly outlining the perilous approach taken by the occupying forces.
Al-Budaiwi urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities by taking a firm stand “to halt these provocative statements and plans, and to protect the region from any actions that may escalate tensions and undermine the prospects for achieving a just and comprehensive peace.”
In Jordan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates rejected Netanyahu’s comments as a serious and provocative escalation, threatening the sovereignty of nations and violating international law and the UN Charter.
The official spokesperson for the ministry, Ambassador Sufyan al-Qudah, stated that the kingdom completely rejects these inciting remarks, stressing that the delusions reflected in the statements of Israeli officials will not undermine Jordan and Arab nations nor diminish the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Qatar has also condemned Netanyahu’s statements, with the Foreign Ministry stating that they represent a continuation of an occupation policy rooted in arrogance, escalating crises and conflicts while blatantly infringing upon the sovereignty of nations, international law, the UN Charter, and international legitimacy.
The Israeli newspaper “Times of Israel” reported that in an interview with i24 News, Netanyahu expressed that he feels he is on “a historical and spiritual mission” and is “deeply connected to the vision of Greater Israel,” which he defined as encompassing Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and parts of Egypt and Iraq.
Displacement Plans
Netanyahu’s statements align with ongoing displacement plans that are being openly acknowledged by Israeli officials, including Netanyahu himself. He reiterated the idea of voluntary migration in a recent interview, suggesting, “They will not be expelled; they will be allowed to leave… all those who claim they are concerned about the Palestinians and wish to help them should open their doors,” as reported by Reuters.
The Israeli Defense Forces announced yesterday that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir approved “the central idea” of the plan to attack Gaza. The military stated in a release that during a meeting of top staff and security and military leaders, the main concept for the upcoming steps in Gaza was ratified, according to guidance from political leadership.
While the government has not specified a timeline for commencing this plan, Israeli bombardment of the city has intensified over the past two days, particularly targeting the Zaitoun neighborhood in southeast Gaza, according to witnesses and civil defense reports that are working to transfer the deceased and injured to hospitals.
Palestinian medical sources reported that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 123 Palestinians and injuries to 185 others within the last 24 hours. An additional eight deaths from starvation and malnutrition were also recorded, including three children, raising the total number of deaths attributed to hunger to 235, among whom 106 are children.