A diplomatic uproar has arisen following the publication of a controversial map by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its Arabic-language social media accounts. The map claims “historical territorial rights” for Israel over Palestine and large parts of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Countries in the Gulf, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, swiftly condemned the map. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a “flagrant violation of international legitimacy resolutions and international law,” warning that such actions could undermine peace efforts, especially amid ongoing violence in Gaza. The ministry urged the global community to hold Israel accountable for its expansionist actions.
The UAE Foreign Ministry condemned the publication as a deliberate attempt to expand the occupation, stressing its rejection of all actions aimed at altering the status of Palestinian territories. It reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution and peace efforts in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also denounced the map as an attempt to entrench the Israeli occupation and violate the sovereignty of neighboring countries. The kingdom called for international pressure on Israel to end its violations and respect borders to avoid further regional instability.
This map echoes claims made earlier in March 2023 by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who displayed a map of “Greater Israel” during a speech in Paris, which controversially included Jordan as part of Israel’s territory.
For years, Israel has resisted international calls to withdraw from occupied territories in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria, and opposed the creation of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders. The recent publication of this map has reignited tensions, with Arab nations accusing Israel of further encroaching on Palestinian and Arab lands under the guise of “Greater Israel.”
