Netanyahu’s Push for a ‘Greater Israel’ Puts Two-State Solution at Risk

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears determined to achieve his long-standing vision of a “Greater Israel”, despite growing international backlash and increasing diplomatic isolation.

While much of the world continues to stress the importance of a two-state solution to resolve the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Netanyahu’s policies and actions are steadily eliminating any possibility of such an outcome.

Two-State Solution Faces Its Darkest Hour

The hope of establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel comprising the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem has never looked more unlikely. Governments across the globe continue to use the term two-state solution in political statements, but on the ground, Israel is ensuring that the idea fades into irrelevance.

Recently, Israel carried out an attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, sparking an emergency Arab-Muslim summit in Doha. Although regional leaders issued strong condemnations, no concrete measures were adopted to prevent further Israeli aggression. The summit ended with only vague promises to pursue “legal and effective steps,” leaving Israel unchecked.

Washington’s Role in Weakening the Two-State Solution

Middle East leaders acknowledge that the only power capable of restraining Israel is the United States. However, Washington has shown no willingness to apply such pressure.

Former US President Donald Trump publicly reassured regional governments that Israel would not escalate further against Qatar. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Israel to reaffirm America’s strategic alliance with Netanyahu. His symbolic act of praying at the Western Wall alongside the Israeli leader underscored unwavering US support.

This partnership has emboldened Netanyahu, who openly declared Israel’s right to strike “Hamas terrorists” anywhere and pressured Qatar to expel Hamas officials or face further retaliation.

The Vision of a ‘Greater Israel’ Gains Momentum

The idea of a “Greater Israel” first popularized after the Six-Day War in 1967 remains central to Netanyahu’s political strategy. The Likud Party’s founding charter of 1977 declared that all land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River should remain under Israeli sovereignty.

Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized Israel’s need for “security control” over all territories west of the Jordan River, directly clashing with Palestinian aspirations for sovereignty.

In practice, this could mean annexation of Gaza, permanent control over illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank currently home to more than 700,000 settlers and possibly extending military influence into Lebanon and Syria. Netanyahu has also hinted that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations in both countries are unlikely to be scaled back soon.

Global Condemnation but Limited Action

Arab and Muslim leaders have strongly opposed Netanyahu’s rhetoric around “Greater Israel,” yet their criticism has been largely symbolic. Even at the global level, many Western countries are expected to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly. However, Israel and the United States have already dismissed this move as meaningless.

Analysts argue that only severe international measures such as sanctions, trade restrictions, and suspension of military cooperation could force Israel to reconsider its course. Without such actions, Netanyahu is likely to continue advancing his vision, even at the expense of Israel’s global standing.

Critics warn that when Netanyahu eventually leaves office, Israel may be left internationally isolated, with long-lasting damage to its reputation that will be difficult to repair.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

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