In a recent interview with i24 News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he feels he is on a ”historic and spiritual mission” and that he expressed a strong connection to the vision of a Greater Israel, according to the Times of Israel.
At 7:42 a.m. on August 12, 2025, NewsVoice published an AI analysis (in Swedish) of Israel’s ambition to create a Greater Israel that includes parts of Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt. The article caused a stir on Facebook (Swedish section), where some readers suggested that our article was fake news.
At 7:20 p.m. on the same day, August 12, 2025, the Times of Israel published an article in which Netanyahu de facto said in an interview that he has been on a “historic and spiritual mission” for generations. Still, there is no direct evidence that his security measures in the Middle East and seven fronts include a plan for a Greater Israel.
The mission statement, which has sparked significant controversy, marks a rare public acknowledgement by Netanyahu of a security vision long associated with certain factions within Israeli politics.
The notion of Greater Israel, rooted in historical and biblical interpretations, envisions a Jewish state encompassing territories beyond Israel’s current borders, including the West Bank, Gaza, and parts of several neighbouring countries.
”Therefore, it’s time to end the war. We were very busy, seven fronts, enormous successes” – Benjamin Netayahu, August 12, 2025
While Netanyahu has historically focused on security and sovereignty in his public rhetoric, his reported endorsement of this security vision – on seven fronts – has raised concerns among international observers and domestic critics about the real aim and its implications.
According to the Times of Israel liveblog, Netanyahu’s remarks came during a discussion of Israel’s ongoing military operations and territorial policies, framing his leadership as part of a broader mission tied to Israel’s historical and spiritual identity.
The statement aligns with recent actions, including Israel’s expanded military presence in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria, where the IDF has established security zones.
Critics, including opposition leaders and international diplomats, have condemned the remarks as inflammatory, arguing they undermine prospects for a two-state solution. A senior Palestinian official called the statement “a dangerous escalation that dismisses the rights of millions and threatens regional peace.”
Posts in social media reflect similar sentiments, with some users describing the remarks as evidence of an imperialistic agenda. In contrast, others argue they reflect Netanyahu’s response to security threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Some analysts suggest the remarks may be aimed at bolstering support among his far-right coalition partners, such as Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit, who have openly advocated for settlement expansion and increased control over disputed territories.
The United Nations and European Union reiterated calls for adherence to international law, which prohibits territorial acquisition by force.
The U.S., under the Trump administration, has not yet commented on the statement. Meanwhile, regional powers like Egypt and Jordan, potentially implicated in the Greater Israel vision, have not issued formal responses but are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Netanyahu’s comments come amid ongoing conflicts, including Israel’s full-scale invasion and occupation of over 50% of Gaza, the establishment of military posts in southern Lebanon, and military operations in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
These actions, coupled with settler movements advocating for Israeli presence in these areas, have fueled perceptions of an expansionist policy, though Israeli officials maintain that ”security needs” drive them.
By T. Sassersson
Sources and related
- Times of Israel: Netanyahu says he’s on a ‘historic and spiritual mission,’ also feels a connection to vision of Greater Israel
- i24 News (video extract): Netayaho to i24 News
- i24 News (video): Netanyahu to I24NEWS
- Middle East Eye: Netanyahu says he backs ’Greater Israel’, which includes parts of Jordan and Egypt
- Middle East Eye: Extract, Youtube
- TRT Global: Netanyahu vows to pursue ’historic and spiritual mission’ for ’Greater Israel’ plan
- NBC News: Israel grows buffer zones along its borders as part of post-Oct. 7 military doctrine
The Times of Israel conclude that Netanyahu, with the ”enormous successes” on ”seven fronts”, is equivalent to the idea of a Greater Israel, which happens to include seven neighbouring countries, even though the seventh front is more likely to be Iran rather than Saudi Arabia.