Greater Israel: Warning bells for region & beyond

2026-03-03 - 21:43

The war on Iran has already been launched. The Grand Plan is initiated. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s outburst should be taken seriously. In this connection, he cited the claim based on the Old Testament Eretz Yisrael Hash Amba. The claim is based on Zionist religious connotations. Further, he cited Torah covenants, passages between God and Abraham (Genesis 18:15), claiming Ibrahim was gifted this land—from the wadi (valley) of Egypt to the Euphrates, including Jordan, parts of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, parts of Syria and all of Palestine. The Ambassador is inhuman; he even claimed Hamas inducted children, which justified IDF strikes that killed them. The issue of Greater Israel involves both political and religious perceptions for Jews. It is tragic that Orthodox Christians in America also support Israeli claims. Recently, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Yoel expressed similar views on Greater Israel. While Jews always dreamed of a Greater Zionist Empire, it remained largely a psychological and spiritual issue until the 1967 war between Egypt and Israel. In this war, Israel captured Sinai, the Golan Heights and parts of Jordan. At this juncture, a political awakening emerged, strengthened by Israel’s victories. After 1967, the Likud Party was created with this manifesto. Prime Minister Netanyahu does not hide his ambitions for Greater Israel. The important point is that the Ambassador represents the government of the United States. In my analysis, his statement appears stage-managed to ensure it reaches the right quarters—the nations expected to lose their lands. So far, the US government has not issued any statement repudiating his claim citing Abraham 2,500 years ago. Ironically, many in the United States support this statement and the ambassador reportedly belongs to a Christian Zionist cult known for these ideas. Arab nations must ask the US to clarify, recall the Ambassador and demand his resignation for such a brazen threat to the Middle East. So far, no action has been taken by the State Department. If no statements come from Arab States or the OIC, the fear is that many more such statements will emerge from different US quarters. It is very clear that the destruction of Gaza is part of the plan spelled out by the Ambassador. Similarly, the constitution of the Peace Board has become suspect and controversial, as there is no Palestinian representative. Apparently, this Board is not intended to give any rights to Palestinians or Gaza residents. Neutralizing Hamas is a stepping stone to achieve Greater Israel. Reportedly, an OIC meeting is being called, but given Gulf States’ ties to Israel and their internal security issues, little is likely to emerge beyond verbal condemnations. Non-Arab Muslim states, mired in their own problems, are also unlikely to take meaningful action. The spring offensive destructions suggest that a version of Halaku Khan’s 15th-century rampage in the Middle East may be repeated by modern states in the name of Israeli rights. Further, strategic, military, political and economic gains are at the heart of the plan. Greater Israel aims to control the seas in the west along the Mediterranean and in the east up to the Strait of Hormuz. Major oil and gas reserves would then be under Greater Israel’s control. In this plan, three countries could be stumbling blocks: Turkiye, Pakistan and Iran. Their threat must be neutralized, through diplomacy coupled with military prowess. The game being played in Afghanistan should be examined in this context, as weakening Pakistan ensures its unstable borders cannot support Iran in any conflict. Pakistan must re-examine its policy not only toward the Peace Board but also toward emerging threats should the plan for Greater Israel be implemented. Pakistan, as a nuclear power, is a prime target and a major threat. Pakistan has always been considered a stumbling block to Greater Zionist designs. India is likely to support Israel’s plans for obvious reasons. Presently, the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Israel, commencing February 25 amid high tensions in the region, is strategically important. India and Israel have had very close relations for the last nine years. Modi indicated Indian support for the Afghan regime and pledged a substantial amount for development in Afghanistan. In reply, the Israeli Prime Minister announced a package in line with Modi’s development fund for Afghanistan. Reports suggest that Pakistan and Iran were discussed in these meetings. Israel and India have further agreements on military, technology and economic cooperation, strengthening their relationship in political and mutual objectives. Greater Israel and Greater India mutually benefit each other globally, as both are ideologically aligned against Muslims and seek to eliminate their influence. The actions of the Afghan regime at this juncture should also be examined in the light of these developments. This is not an isolated issue; it has deeper global conspiracies. Pakistan, therefore, will face not only regional threats but also enhanced security challenges. It must be clear that Pakistan is currently in the eye of the storm. Threats are multiple and serious. —The author is a Brigadier Retired, a decorated officer with 32 years of active combat experience, 30 years in corporate sector as MD/COO. A column writer, Researcher and TV analyst. (tariqkhalil21@gmail.com)