RIYADH – August 13, 2025:
Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of recent statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he voiced support for the concept of a so-called “Greater Israel.”
Speaking to i24 News on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he was “very attached” to the vision — a term widely understood to denote an expansionist territorial agenda encompassing East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, and parts of other neighbouring Arab countries.
In a statement, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry rejected what it described as “settlement and expansionist projects” pursued by Israeli authorities. The ministry reaffirmed that Palestinians have a historical and legal right to establish an independent, sovereign state in line with international law.
“The Kingdom warns the international community against the Israeli occupation’s persistence in flagrant violations that undermine the foundations of international legitimacy, blatantly violate the sovereignty of states, and threaten regional and global security and peace,” the statement read.
Regional Bodies Join Condemnation
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi called the remarks a blatant breach of the UN Charter and international law, describing them as a direct threat to the sovereignty and unity of Arab states. He urged the global community to take a firm stance against what he labelled “provocative declarations” and to prevent actions that could heighten tensions and obstruct the path to a comprehensive peace.
The Arab League also denounced Netanyahu’s comments “in the strongest terms,” warning that they reflected “expansionist and aggressive intentions rooted in colonial delusions.” The League urged the UN Security Council to take decisive action to confront such rhetoric, which it said posed a grave threat to collective Arab security.
Escalation in Gaza
Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced it had approved a framework for a new offensive in the Gaza Strip. The move comes just days after Israel’s security cabinet called for the capture of Gaza’s largest city. Israel’s 22-month war in the territory has killed more than 61,000 people and left the population facing severe humanitarian conditions.
