A map of the biblical land of Israel, published earlier this week by the official Israel Arabic account on X, has drawn sharp criticism from neighboring Jordan and other Arab nations. Jordan accused the Israeli government of promoting ongoing “conflict and violence” in the region.
The map, shared on Monday, depicted the historic boundaries of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah as they existed in 928 BC. These boundaries included parts of present-day Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, as well as areas under the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
What is Greater Israel?
The term “Greater Israel” carries both biblical and political connotations that have evolved over time. Sometimes referred to as the “Zionist Plan for the Middle East,” the concept envisions a Jewish state stretching “from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates,” as described by Theodor Herzl, the founding father of Zionism.
The vision of Greater Israel would encompass:
- All of historic Palestine
- Southern Lebanon up to Sidon and the Litani River
- Syria’s Golan Heights, Hauran Plain, and Deraa
- The Hejaz Railway from Deraa to Amman, Jordan, as well as the Gulf of Aqaba
Reactions from Gulf Nations
The publication of this map has provoked a strong response from the Arab League and several Gulf nations, which view it as an inflammatory move undermining regional stability.
Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit denounced the map, warning that the international community’s failure to counter such “provocative actions” risks fueling extremism and counter-extremism.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry described the map as a “flagrant violation of international legitimacy resolutions and international law.”
The UAE Foreign Ministry condemned the map as a “deliberate effort to expand the occupation” and a blatant breach of international law. It reaffirmed its rejection of any actions altering the legal status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, cautioning that such provocations escalate tensions and hinder peace efforts.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry criticized the map as evidence of Israel’s intent to consolidate control, violate state sovereignty, and disregard international norms.
