Key Points:
- Controversial Map Unveiled: Israel’s Foreign Ministry shares a map depicting “Greater Israel,” claiming historical Jewish rule over Arab nations.
- Arab Nations Outraged: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia strongly object, calling it a violation of sovereignty.
- Historical Context: Israel claims this land was ruled by King Saul, King David, and King Solomon 3,000 years ago.
- Muslim Countries Protest: Arab countries and Palestine demand international intervention, labeling the map a provocative move.
New Delhi: A fresh wave of tension has engulfed the Middle East as Israel releases a contentious map portraying its vision of “Greater Israel,” igniting sharp reactions from Arab nations. The Israeli Foreign Ministry published the map on its Arabic social media accounts, asserting historical claims over regions spanning Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The move has been condemned by Arab countries as provocative and an infringement on their sovereignty.
The Map and Its Implications
The shared map reflects an ancient Jewish kingdom said to have existed 3,000 years ago under the reign of King Saul, King David, and King Solomon. These monarchs ruled for approximately 120 years, during which Judaism flourished. The Israeli claim suggests that despite centuries of Arab Caliphate rule and the subsequent settlement of Muslims in the region, these lands inherently belong to Israel.
The map was accompanied by statements framing it as an aspiration to establish a “Unified Israel.” This vision has fueled accusations that Israel is reviving its ambitions for territorial expansion, often referred to as “Greater Israel.”
Arab Nations Respond
Governments across the Arab world, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon, have strongly criticized the map, calling it a direct attack on their national sovereignty. They argue that the map undermines international laws and agreements, destabilizing an already volatile region.
Jordanian officials described the map as “an unacceptable provocation,” while Egypt termed it “a violation of peace accords.” Saudi Arabia labeled it “a dangerous escalation” and urged global powers to intervene. The Arab League has also issued a unified statement condemning the map as “a blatant attempt to rewrite history for political gain.”
Palestinian and Hamas Reactions
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have expressed outrage, accusing Israel of escalating its occupation agenda. Palestinian leaders have reached out to the United Nations, demanding urgent intervention to hold Israel accountable. They argue that the map is not just symbolic but a dangerous signal of Israel’s intentions to annex more territories.
Historical Context
Israel’s claims are rooted in the Biblical narrative of a Jewish kingdom that existed millennia ago. The era of King Saul, King David, and King Solomon is viewed as a golden period of Jewish rule, though historians debate the extent and boundaries of this ancient empire. Arab nations counter this narrative by highlighting centuries of Islamic rule and the current demographic realities of the region.
A Growing Regional Flashpoint
The release of the “Greater Israel” map has intensified already fraught relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors. While Israel views the map as a reflection of historical truth, Arab countries see it as a threat to their territorial integrity and sovereignty. The controversy is expected to draw international attention, with calls for the United Nations and global powers to mediate before tensions escalate further.
