Greater Israel: Aspirations and Potential Threats to the Muslim World, A Critical Research Study

Abstract

The concept of "Greater Israel" (Eretz Yisrael HaShlema) has long been a subject of religious, political, and geopolitical discourse, rooted in certain interpretations of Biblical scriptures and Zionist ideology. This paper seeks to critically examine the historical origins, ideological foundations, and political manifestations of the Greater Israel vision, while assessing its implications and perceived threats for the Muslim world. The research explores how this vision has influenced Israeli expansionist policies, settlement strategies, and regional alliances, particularly in the context of the occupied Palestinian territories and neighboring Arab states. By tracing the evolution of this idea from ancient religious texts to modern political rhetoric, the study reveals how religious myth is often used to justify geopolitical ambition. It further investigates how the narrative of Greater Israel poses challenges to regional stability, fuels sectarian tension, and contributes to the marginalization of Palestinian rights. The paper also analyzes the response of Muslim-majority countries, ranging from diplomatic opposition to passive normalization and assesses the broader consequences of this ideological project on the future of the Middle East. Through qualitative analysis and review of historical and contemporary sources, this article provides an in-depth understanding of the symbolic and strategic dimensions of the Greater Israel doctrine. It argues that ignoring this ideological agenda could result in the erosion of Muslim unity and strategic autonomy in the region, thereby necessitating a coordinated intellectual, diplomatic, and geopolitical response.

Keywords: Greater Israel, Zionism, Middle East, Muslim World, Palestine, Geopolitics, Settler Colonialism, Israeli Expansionism, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Religious Nationalism