Israel is extending its footprint through war. For some, it's part of a greater plan
On the fringes of Israel's far right, some activists and political leaders dream of a Greater Israel, extending the country's area of control into neighboring countries.
On the fringes of Israel's far right, some activists and political leaders dream of a Greater Israel, extending the country's area of control into nei
Read Full Story at NPR News →Why This Matters
The expansionist ambitions of Israel’s far-right factions pose a fundamental challenge to the post-1945 international order, which has long treated territorial conquest as a relic of the past. Their vision of a Greater Israel not only risks destabilizing the region but also tests the limits of global norms against unilateral annexation and military occupation.
Background Context
The concept of a Greater Israel traces back to religious and nationalist movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but it gained political traction among settlers in the West Bank and Gaza after the 1967 Six-Day War. Today, figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir explicitly endorse sovereignty over the West Bank, while fringe factions push further into Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan—a stark departure from Israel’s declared borders.
What Happens Next
If Israel continues its military campaigns without a clear political exit strategy, it could face prolonged insurgencies in newly occupied territories, eroding domestic and international support. The Biden administration’s muted response suggests a widening gap between U.S. rhetorical support for Israel and its willingness to constrain expansionist policies.
Bigger Picture
This push aligns with a global resurgence of ethno-nationalist territorial claims, from Russia’s war in Ukraine to China’s expansion in the South China Sea. As traditional alliances fray, the erosion of territorial sovereignty norms could redefine the balance between state power and international law in the 21st century.
