The Greater Israel Project
Written by Mohammad Mustafa (@mufastamo)
The Zionist project has long been rooted in an expansionist vision, which seeks to extend the borders of the “Israeli” settler-colonial state far beyond its current territories. The concept of "Greater Israel" (Eretz Yisrael HaShlema) refers to a maximalist interpretation of Zionist territorial aspirations, incorporating not only all of historic Palestine but extending into significant parts of the surrounding Arab world, including parts of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and even reaching close to Iraq. This project is an integral part of Zionist settler-colonial ideology and remains at the core of its expansionist policies, including ongoing occupation, settlement expansion, and military domination.
The vision of “Greater Israel” has roots in early Zionist thought, particularly in the writings and speeches of prominent figures such as Theodor Herzl, who envisioned a Jewish state that would stretch from the Nile to the Euphrates. This idea is based on biblical claims, which were appropriated by the Zionist movement to justify territorial expansion and the displacement of indigenous populations. Zionist leaders have often referred to this notion, not merely as a religious ideal, but as a political objective necessary for the survival and security of the settler colony.
Zionism is fundamentally a settler-colonial movement, characterized by the displacement of the indigenous Palestinian people and the establishment of an exclusive ethno-nationalist state. The concept of “Greater Israel” is a continuation of this colonial project, as it seeks to expand the borders of the Israeli state beyond the 1948 and 1967 lines, through the annexation of the Golan Heights, parts of southern Lebanon, the West Bank, and possibly other territories.
As Palestinian scholar Mahath Sharif argues, the Zionist project is inherently expansionist, with the ultimate goal of dominating the region economically, militarily, and politically. This expansion is not merely about land acquisition but also about solidifying control over vital resources, such as water, and establishing “Israeli” hegemony over the Middle East. Sharif further contends that this drive for expansion is a manifestation of the racial and colonial hierarchies embedded in Zionism, which dehumanizes Arabs and Muslims by framing them as obstacles to the fulfillment of the Zionist dream.
The annexation of the Golan Heights in 1981 is a key example of how the Zionist state continues to implement its expansionist vision. After occupying the territory during the 1967 war, “Israel” formally annexed the Golan Heights, a move condemned by the international community but defended by “Israeli” officials as necessary for security reasons. However, the occupation and subsequent annexation of the Golan Heights align with the broader Zionist goal of expanding “Israeli” territory and exerting control over strategic and resource-rich areas.
Similarly, “Israel’s” repeated invasions and occupations of southern Lebanon, particularly during the 1982 Lebanon War, reflect its desire to dominate its northern neighbors and secure territorial gains that align with the “Greater Israel” ideology. The ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank and the displacement of Palestinians in East Jerusalem are further expressions of this expansionist agenda, as “Israel” seeks to entrench its control over all of historic Palestine and beyond.
The expansionist ideology of “Greater Israel” has significant implications for the entire region. By asserting control over parts of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, “Israel” aims to weaken neighboring Arab states, create buffer zones, and establish a new geopolitical order where it reigns as the dominant power. This has led to ongoing conflict, instability, and resistance from regional powers, particularly those who refuse to normalize relations with “Israel” or recognize its legitimacy.
Internationally, while there is widespread condemnation of “Israel's” annexation and settlement policies, powerful actors like the United States continue to provide political, military, and economic support, effectively enabling “Israel’s” expansionist ambitions. This support further complicates efforts by Palestinian and regional resistance movements to challenge “Israeli” hegemony and push for a just and lasting solution to the conflict.
The Zionist vision of “Greater Israel” is not a relic of the past, but an ongoing project that continues to shape “Israeli” policies and the broader dynamics of the Middle East. Rooted in settler-colonial ideology, this expansionist drive seeks to dominate the region through land grabs, resource control, and military power. For Palestinians and their allies, understanding the full scope of Zionist expansionism is essential for resisting the occupation and advocating for the liberation of all of Palestine.
As the Palestine Diaspora Movement (PDM), we remain committed to challenging Zionist settler colonialism and advocating for the right of return, the end of occupation, and the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea. The struggle against the Zionist project is not only a fight for land but a fight for justice, dignity, and the right to self-determination.
Sources and Further Reading:
Sharif, Mahath. Palestinian Resistance and the Struggle Against Zionism.
The Palestine Chronicle. "Zionism and the Expansionist Vision of Greater Israel."
Middle East Eye. "Israel's Expansionist Policies in the Golan Heights."
Palestinian Institute of Palestine Studies. Historical and Legal Perspectives on Zionist Expansionism.
Columbia College of Palestine Studies. The Greater Israel Project: A Colonial Enterprise.
