What is Greater Israel, and how popular is it among Israelis?
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Recent comments by US and Israeli officials supporting the concept of a "Greater Israel" have sparked concerns across the region. This vision involves Israel controlling land stretching from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River in Iraq, encompassing territories of several neighboring countries. The idea gained attention after a US right-wing podcaster interviewed the American ambassador to Israel, who supported Israel's biblical claim to this expansive territory. Such assertions have angered regional neighbors, including US allies, as they imply disregarding their sovereignty.
The concept of Greater Israel is rooted in biblical interpretations, particularly Genesis 15:18-21, which promise Abraham's descendants the land between the Nile and Euphrates rivers. While some interpret this narrowly for Israelite tribes, others see it as a mandate for broader territorial claims. This expansionist view has historical roots but has gained traction in modern times, especially among Christian Zionists and Israeli politicians like Yair Lapid, who justify it through biblical mandate.
Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has expanded significantly, particularly after the 1967 war when it occupied territories including the
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026