Israeli Expansionism and Middle East Response
Israeli Expansionism
Since the day, Israeli state came into being they started attacking nearby countries to fulfil the dream of Greater Israel, with the back of US and Jewish diaspora globally.
Although, Arabs fought with the full force in the 1947 Israeli-Arab war but failed because of their traditional way of fighting and lack of modern weapons, then again in 1967 six–day war was fought between Israel and Arab countries but at last it turned in Israels favour because of American and powerful European countries support, and modern weapons.
It was not just matter of win or loss but in the 1967 war Israel occupiedsignificant area of Palestinian territoriesincluding West Bank, East Jerusalem from Jordan, Sinai Peninsula (a vast desert region) and Gaza strip from the control of Egypt and Golan heights of Syria respectively.
However, from all these occupied areas Israel returnedonly Sinai–peninsula to Egypt (britannica, 2025)in a proper way after 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty while in remanning areas Israel still has either full or partial control.
Though UN security council declared Israel occupation of Golan heights as null and void, but practical control there is of Israel.
After October 7 2023, When Hamas attack southern Israel (with operation name, Toofan Al Aqsa) and killed almost 1000-1200 people and take 240 as hostages. Israel retaliated with massive aerial and infantry attack, first on Hamas in Gaza then expand it toHezbollah in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen.
Then on 13 June 2025, Israel launched aerial attack on Iran and hit their Army officials, Nuclear, scientists and infrastructure.
Iran considered the attack as violation of its sovereignty and retaliated by launching barrage of Missiles towards Israel, though after American attacks on Irani Nuclear sites Israel claim that they have achieved their objectives and then finally peace prevailed.
Another example of Israeli aggression we have seen recently when Israel attack, Hamas leadership in Qatar by violating Qatar’s sovereignty. Apart from that Israels attacking Yemen, Lebanon and Syria has become Israel’s new normal.
This all reflect the Israels policy of expansion and efforts of making Greater Israel. However, the role of Middle Eastern countries was limited to condemnation of attacks, but now they need to make efforts to stop Israeli aggression and expansion.
Middle Eastern countries should not depend fully on US for defence, because US is key ally of Israel, instead they need to sign pacts with countries like China, Russia and China’s belt and road initiative project will be helpful for reducing American influence in Middle east into deter the expansion, Countries like Saudi Arabia Qatar, the has economic power, and strong diplomatic influence, they need to join hands with nations pursuing against Israel in ICJ.
The OIC (organization of Islamic cooperation) proved very ineffective because of the lack of coordination between member countries like in past Iran-Saudi, Saudi-Yemen, and other issues like Gulf war, but now is the time to make efforts and create unity in OIC, so that Muslim world become able to put bounded pressure on foreign countries or bodies, compelling them to take actions against Israel. Furthermore, sanctions should be imposed on Israel for its violation and crimes.
Muhammad Abdullah, student of IR IIUI, with research interests focused on Middle east and south east Asia
