Greater Israel Explained: The Israeli Plan to Conquer the Arab World

Summary

The video explores the concept of 'Greater Israel,' discussing its historical and religious origins as well as its political implications today. The term refers to the biblical boundaries of Israel, stretching from Egypt to Mesopotamia, and has been used by Zionists and Israeli right-wing factions to justify expansionist policies. The script delves into the colonial legacy of the Middle East, the formation of Israel, and its evolving borders, including its involvement in Lebanon and other Arab nations. It highlights Israel's strategic actions and the enduring relevance of pan-Arabism in opposing Israeli policies.

Takeaways

• 🗺️ Greater Israel is a concept referring to the ideal future borders of Israel, based on biblical promises. It has been interpreted both symbolically and geographically.
• 📜 The idea of Greater Israel originates from the Torah, where the boundaries are described from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates, which encompasses parts of Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
• 🏞️ The concept of Greater Israel was present from the beginning of the Zionist movement, including mentions by Theodor Herzl in his diary and proposals at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference.
• 🏛️ The Allied Powers, after WWI, redrew the Middle East borders arbitrarily, often emphasizing sectarian divisions to maintain control, contributing to future conflicts in the region.
• ⚔️ Israel’s borders have been fluid, constantly changing as it conquers or seeks to expand its territory, with notable events such as the 1948 War, the 1967 Six-Day War, and the 1982 invasion of Lebanon.
• 🛑 The Zionist movement presented a map at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 that included large areas of the Levant, but it was rejected by the British and French.
• 📝 Ze’ev Jabotinsky, a leader of the Zionist right-wing movement, emphasized the need for a Jewish state to maintain an 'iron wall' to secure its expansion against local resistance.
• 💡 Israel has pursued a strategy of exploiting sectarian divisions in neighboring countries to weaken and fragment the region, as outlined in a strategy paper from the 1980s.
• 📣 Benjamin Netanyahu and his political party, Likud, continue to follow an aggressive strategy to expand Israel's influence in the region, echoing earlier Zionist expansionist aspirations.
• 🤝 The broader concept of Arab unity, such as the idea of Greater Syria, challenges the idea that the Middle East is inherently divided by ethnic and religious conflicts; this unity has been instrumental in countering colonial ambitions in the region.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'Greater Israel'?

'Greater Israel' refers to the idea of expanding Israel's borders to include the biblical lands promised to the Jewish people. These borders stretch from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates, encompassing modern-day Lebanon, parts of Syria, and other areas.

How does the concept of Greater Israel differ in interpretation?

Greater Israel can have symbolic or spiritual meanings for some, while others interpret it as a literal geographic claim. Its significance varies, especially in political or religious discussions, with some extreme Zionists advocating for the reestablishment of biblical borders.

Why has the concept of Greater Israel resurged recently?

The resurgence is largely due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forming a coalition government with Messianic Zionist parties, who support the idea of expanding Israel’s borders and Jewish settlement in surrounding regions, including southern Lebanon.

What role did early Zionist leaders, such as Theodore Herzl, play in promoting the idea of Greater Israel?

Theodore Herzl, the founder of the Zionist movement, proposed a Jewish state extending from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates in his 1898 diary. He envisioned the gradual transfer of the land from an Arab to a Jewish majority, laying the foundation for the Greater Israel concept.

What was the significance of the map presented at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference?

At the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, the Zionist movement presented a map proposing the future borders of a Jewish state, including the East Bank, Southern Lebanon, and parts of Egypt. Although rejected, this map reflected the early ambitions of creating Greater Israel.

How did Ze'ev Jabotinsky influence the idea of Greater Israel?

Ze'ev Jabotinsky, leader of the revisionist Zionist movement, advocated for the inclusion of Transjordan in a future Jewish state. His vision of expanding Israel’s borders became central to right-wing Zionist ideology, influencing the Likud Party and leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu.

What was Jabotinsky’s 'Iron Wall' doctrine?

Jabotinsky’s 'Iron Wall' doctrine argued that native Arab populations would never voluntarily accept Jewish settlement in Palestine. He believed that a strong, unyielding force ('Iron Wall') would be necessary to establish and maintain a Jewish state.

How has Israel's borders evolved since its founding in 1948?

Since declaring independence in 1948, Israel's borders have constantly shifted through wars and conquests. Major changes occurred after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the 1967 Six-Day War, where Israel expanded into the West Bank, Golan Heights, and other territories.

What was the role of Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon in the Greater Israel strategy?

The 1982 invasion of Lebanon marked Israel’s first occupation outside historic Palestine. It exposed desires within Israel’s far-right to extend settlements into Lebanon, aligning with the Greater Israel ideology of expanding into biblical lands.

What are some criticisms of the Greater Israel concept from Arab and international perspectives?

Critics argue that the Greater Israel concept is a colonial project, designed to seize and occupy Arab lands through military and political dominance. It is seen as a violation of international law, fueling regional conflict and perpetuating Israel's occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories.