Gulf Nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have united in strong condemnation of the publication of a Israeli map that claims large portions of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria as part of a so-called “Greater Israel.”
This controversial map, which asserts territory beyond Israel’s internationally recognized borders, has sparked outrage across the Arab world and heightened regional tensions.
The concept of a “Greater Israel” is an expansionist ideology promoted by some far-right Israeli politicians. The map suggests that areas historically and internationally recognized as part of Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon should be incorporated into Israel. Supporters of the idea argue that these lands are part of the biblical Jewish homeland, but it is widely rejected by the international community as a violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Saudi Arabia strongly rejected the map, calling it a clear violation of international law and an attempt by Israel to further entrench its occupation and territorial expansion at the expense of Arab nations. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized that such actions undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and warned that they could escalate tensions in the region.
Qatar and the UAE echoed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation, with Qatar labeling the map a “flagrant violation of international legitimacy” and expressing concern that it could derail peace efforts, particularly in light of ongoing violence in Gaza. The UAE also condemned the map as part of Israel’s broader expansionist agenda, warning that such actions would only hinder prospects for a two-state solution and peaceful coexistence.
The Palestinian Authority and Jordan also condemned the map, stressing that it contradicts the Arab world’s longstanding stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and undermines the sovereignty of the neighboring states. The map, which emerged on Israeli official social media platforms, has fueled anger across the region and drawn attention to the ongoing tensions in Gaza and Israel’s settlement expansions in the West Bank.
For decades, Israel has resisted international calls to withdraw from occupied territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, and has opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. In response to these provocative actions, the Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia, have reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution and a peaceful resolution based on international law.
