The term Greater Israel refers to an expression with both biblical and political meanings that have changed and evolved over time. It is also known as the Zionist Plan for the Middle East, which aims to expand the borders of the State of Israel beyond its current boundaries.
However, this vision of Greater Israel is not shared by all Jews or Israelis. Many of them reject the idea of territorial expansion and prefer to live in peace with their Arab neighbors. They also recognize the rights and aspirations of the Palestinians, who have been living under Israeli occupation and oppression for decades.
The concept of Greater Israel has also been used by some Israeli politicians and groups to justify their policies of settlement expansion, land confiscation, and annexation in the occupied Palestinian territories. These actions have been condemned by the international community as illegal and detrimental to the prospects of a two-state solution and a lasting peace in the region.
Moreover, some analysts argue that the idea of Greater Israel is not only a Zionist project but also a part of the US foreign policy agenda in the Middle East. They claim that the US supports Israel’s hegemony and influence in the region, as well as its efforts to divide and weaken the Arab states. This strategy is known as the Yinon Plan, which was proposed by an Israeli journalist in 1982.
According to this plan, Israel needs to reconfigure its geopolitical environment through the balkanization of the surrounding Arab states into smaller and weaker entities. This would enable Israel to dominate the region and secure its interests. Some observers believe that this plan is being implemented through various means, such as wars, coups, revolutions, sectarian conflicts, and proxy groups.
The idea of Greater Israel has been a source of controversy and conflict in the Middle East for decades. It has been opposed by many Arabs and Muslims, who see it as a threat to their sovereignty, dignity, and identity. It has also been challenged by many Jews and Israelis, who see it as a fantasy, a folly, or a nightmare.