Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statements regarding the concept of ‘Greater Israel,’ a coalition of 31 Arab and Islamic nations has voiced strong disapproval. These nations, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, have issued a joint condemnation of Netanyahu’s remarks, considering them a direct challenge to Arab security, regional sovereignty, and global peace.
The joint statement was supported by the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). However, the absence of Iran from this joint effort was a notable development. Despite its reputation as a staunch supporter of Palestine, Iran did not join the declaration.
The joint statement stated that Netanyahu’s Greater Israel concept violated international law and diplomatic norms, and threatened global stability. It specifically identified Israel’s perceived racist and extremist ideologies as the primary threats to regional peace. Foreign ministers reiterated that Israel’s claims of sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories are invalid. They called upon the international community, particularly the United States and the permanent members of the Security Council, to pressure Israel to cease its actions and withdraw its forces from Gaza.
During a recent interview, Netanyahu confirmed his adherence to the idea of Greater Israel, which signifies an expansionist perspective. This concept includes territories beyond Israel’s current borders, which are considered part of its historical or religious domain, like East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights. This ideology has long been disputed. Arab nations and the international community frequently see it as a policy of expansion and destabilization.
The non-participation of Iran in this unified denunciation has generated discussion. Experts suggest that Arab nations aim to isolate Israel through collective diplomatic pressure, whereas Iran may be adopting a different approach, perhaps involving direct confrontation. As a result, Iran was not present. While the joint statement from 31 nations delivers a strong message to Israel, Iran’s absence demonstrates that the Muslim world is not fully united on the Palestinian issue.