Report: Netanyahu supports “Greater Israel” concept encompassing parts of Egypt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong support for the concept of a “Greater Israel” during an interview with Israel’s i24 News, according to Middle East Eye. He said he feels “very” connected to the idea, which envisions Israeli territory expanding to include parts of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestinian lands.

The “Greater Israel” concept, embraced by some Zionists, draws on Biblical references to describe territory promised to the Israelites that extends beyond Israel’s current borders. For some, it represents a spiritual aspiration; for others, particularly within the far-right, it is seen as a concrete political goal.

This vision is central to the settler movement, which has already established illegal settlements in the West Bank and is seeking to expand into Gaza. Members of Netanyahu’s government have previously voiced support for such an expansionist agenda.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, featured in a documentary last year, advocated for extending Israeli control into Damascus and eventually incorporating areas of the Middle East, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia.