Based on the search results, the concept of "Greater Israel" refers to the idea of expanding Israel's territory and sovereignty over lands beyond its current borders, particularly to include the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as potentially other areas. Here are the key points about Israel's perceived goal of "Greater Israel":
- Biblical and ideological roots: The notion of a "Greater Israel" has biblical roots, referring to the land stretching "from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates" as described in Genesis. Some Zionist thinkers like Theodor Herzl envisioned a Jewish state encompassing this broader territory. 1
- Territorial ambitions: At its most expansive interpretation, "Greater Israel" would include not just the West Bank and Gaza, but also parts of modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the Sinai Peninsula. However, the more common current usage refers to Israeli control over the occupied Palestinian territories. 1 2 6
- Settlements and annexation: The expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, coupled with calls by some Israeli politicians to annex part or all of the West Bank, are seen as steps towards realizing a "Greater Israel" by solidifying Israeli control over these areas. 2 3 8
- Ideological divide: The idea of "Greater Israel" is particularly espoused by Israel's right-wing nationalist and religious Zionist political movements like the Likud party, while opposed by left-wing parties that support a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state. [
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