RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, alongside other Arab states and regional organizations, strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday for his remarks supporting a so-called “Greater Israel.”
In an interview with i24 News on Tuesday, Netanyahu stated he is “very attached” to the vision of a “Greater Israel.” The term refers to an expansionist concept that encompasses East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, and parts of neighboring Arab countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry rejected the “settlement and expansionist ideas and projects” promoted by Israeli authorities. It emphasized that the Palestinian people have a historical and legal right to establish an independent, sovereign state based on international law. The ministry warned the international community against Israel’s continued violations, which undermine international legitimacy, violate state sovereignty, and threaten regional and global peace and security.
Reactions from Regional Leaders
The Palestinian Authority echoed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation, describing Netanyahu’s remarks as a “disregard for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” and a “dangerous provocation” that threatens regional security. It reaffirmed its commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry criticized the comments as reflecting “the occupation’s approach rooted in arrogance,” fueling crises and conflicts while violating state sovereignty.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry called the remarks contrary to regional and international aspirations for peace and stability. It urged a return to negotiations, an end to the war in Gaza, and the establishment of a Palestinian state under a two-state solution.
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Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled Netanyahu’s statements a “dangerous and provocative escalation.” Spokesperson Sufyan Qudah said the “absurd delusions” expressed by Israeli officials would neither affect Jordan nor other Arab countries, nor undermine the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He called on the international community to intervene to halt incitement threatening regional stability and global peace.
Yemen reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people, emphasizing their right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Yemeni Foreign Ministry urged the UN Security Council and international community to take urgent action to stop these violations and hold Israeli leaders accountable.
Condemnation from Regional Bodies
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, calling them a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law, and a direct attack on the sovereignty and unity of Arab states. He warned that such statements threaten regional and global stability and reiterated the GCC’s categorical rejection of any attempts to undermine the territorial integrity of Arab nations. Albudaiwi urged the international community to take a firm stand against provocative declarations that could inflame tensions and jeopardize prospects for a just and comprehensive peace.
The Arab League also denounced Netanyahu’s comments “in the strongest terms,” calling them a dangerous disregard for Arab sovereignty and a serious threat to collective Arab security. It described the rhetoric as reflecting “expansionist and aggressive intentions” rooted in “colonial delusions” and urged the UN Security Council to act decisively against such extremist statements.