Plan for Greater Israel

The “Plan for Greater Israel” refers to the ideological and geopolitical concept envisioning an expanded Jewish state extending beyond Israel’s internationally recognized borders, rooted in both biblical narratives and certain Zionist movements. Historically and politically, it has evolved through religious, nationalist, and strategic interpretations that continue to influence Israeli politics and regional dynamics.wikipedia+2​

Historical Origins

The idea of a Greater Israel dates back to early Zionist writings that invoked biblical descriptions of land “from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates,” interpreted by some as divine entitlement to territory encompassing parts of present-day Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Leaders such as David Ben-Gurion and Chaim Weizmann saw the establishment of the State of Israel as an initial stage in reclaiming the “whole land of Israel” rather than a permanent boundary.mondoweiss+2​

Political and Strategic Developments

In the 1980s, the “Yinon Plan” argued for Israel’s long-term security through the fragmentation of neighboring Arab states. It recommended weakening regional adversaries by exploiting sectarian divisions to create smaller, less cohesive states, thereby ensuring Israeli regional dominance. Contemporary interpretations link this to ongoing Israeli military and political actions across the region.youtube+1​

Modern Expression and Netanyahu’s Government

Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, elements of the Greater Israel vision have gradually resurfaced in policy and rhetoric. Recent controversies include Netanyahu’s 2024 public map of Israel extending into neighboring Arab lands and his justification that Israel’s current size is too small relative to the Arab world. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a leading proponent of annexing the West Bank, has publicly declared that “from the Jordan River to the sea, there is room for only one national self-determination: Jewish”.crisisgroup+2​

Geographic Scope and Interpretation

The envisioned area for Greater Israel varies widely:

• Biblical and nationalist interpretations: from the Nile to the Euphrates.blogs.timesofisrael​

• Revisionist Zionist or political nationalist versions: inclusion of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), Gaza, and sometimes parts of neighboring states such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.mepei+1​

Contemporary Implications

The implementation of policies consistent with this idea—especially settlement expansion and creeping annexation of the West Bank—has been described by analysts as gradually realizing parts of the Greater Israel vision. These actions undermine prospects for a two-state solution and exacerbate tensions throughout the Middle East.theweek+2​

In essence, the “Plan for Greater Israel” remains a mix of ideological aspiration, religious narrative, and strategic policy framework—actively shaping the policies of Israel’s far-right leadership and contributing to continued regional instability.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Israel
2. https://mepei.com/greater-israel-an-ongoing-expansion-plan-for-the-middle-east-and-north-africa/
3. https://mondoweiss.net/2024/12/inside-greater-israel-myths-and-truths-behind-the-long-time-zionist-fantasy/
4. https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/greater-israel-from-the-euphrates-to-the-nile/
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEYEcAd-tzQ
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blc_F0_KrQo
7. https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/israelpalestine/252-sovereignty-all-name-israels-quickening-annexation-west-bank
8. https://theweek.com/world-news/what-is-the-greater-israel-movement
9. https://www.islam21c.com/politics/israeli-wants-to-colonise-middle-east/
10. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/netanyahu-s-greater-israel-plan-fuels-middle-east-chaos-jewish-journalist/3605890