In response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statements concerning a ‘Greater Israel,’ a coalition of 31 Arab and Islamic countries has taken a strong stand. These countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, have jointly condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, viewing them as a direct threat to Arab security, regional sovereignty, and global peace.
The joint statement was endorsed by the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). However, the absence of Iran from this collective condemnation was notable. Despite being a vocal supporter of Palestine, Iran did not participate in the joint declaration.
The joint statement emphasized that Netanyahu’s claims of Greater Israel violated international law and diplomatic norms, while also posing a threat to global stability. The statement specifically identified Israel’s perceived racist and extremist ideology as a major obstacle to regional peace. Foreign ministers made it clear that Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories is not recognized. They implored the international community, particularly the United States and the permanent members of the Security Council, to exert pressure on Israel to halt its actions and withdraw its military presence from Gaza.
In a recent interview, Netanyahu articulated his strong connection to the concept of Greater Israel, a term that reflects Israel’s expansionist ambitions. This ideology extends beyond Israel’s existing borders, encompassing areas considered historically or religiously part of Israel, such as East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights. This concept has been a source of ongoing controversy. Arab nations and the wider international community generally view it as an expansionist policy that contributes to instability.
The absence of Iran from this collective condemnation has raised questions, given the participation of countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Analysts suggest that Arab nations are seeking to isolate Israel through unified diplomatic pressure, while Iran might be pursuing a different strategy that possibly involves direct confrontation. Therefore, Iran did not participate in this significant event. While this joint statement from 31 nations presents a powerful challenge to Israel, Iran’s absence reveals that the Muslim world is not entirely united on the Palestinian issue.