A major diplomatic dispute has erupted across the Arab world following the release of a contentious map by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Published on its Arabic-language social media platform, the map depicts the boundaries of what Israel claims to be the ancient Kingdom of Israel.

The controversial depiction includes significant parts of modern-day Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, triggering widespread condemnation from Arab nations. These countries perceive the map as a direct challenge to their sovereignty and an attempt to assert historical claims over their territories.

The post accompanying the map presented a detailed historical narrative, tracing the origins of the biblical Kingdom of Israel, established approximately 3,000 years ago under King Saul and subsequently ruled by King David and King Solomon. It highlighted the cultural, religious and economic achievements of that era, framing the map as a representation of Israel’s historical and cultural legacy.

This move has been widely criticised, with Arab leaders accusing Israel of using history to justify territorial aspirations, further straining already tense regional relations.

The depiction of a "Greater Israel,” extending into neighbouring countries, has sparked widespread outrage, with many interpreting it as a signal of potential expansionist ambitions.

The map's publication has elicited sharp responses from Arab nations, including Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE. In a strongly-worded statement, Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the map as a deliberate attempt to undermine Palestinian statehood and destabilise the region. The statement further emphasised the need for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states, calling the map an affront to regional peace efforts.

Protests and condemnations from other Arab nations have highlighted the deep sensitivities surrounding historical claims and their implications for current political realities.

“The depiction constitutes accusations and confusion promoted by Israel’s right wing to obstruct the establishment of a Palestinian state,” a spokesperson said. The ministry further emphasised the need for international intervention to address Israel’s alleged expansionist agenda.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned the publication of the controversial map by Israeli government-linked social media accounts. The map, which depicts a “historical Israel” encompassing occupied Palestinian territories and parts of neighbouring countries, was described by the UAE's Foreign Ministry as a deliberate attempt to extend occupation and a clear violation of international laws. In its statement, the ministry denounced such provocative actions, warning that they undermine peace efforts and pose a serious threat to regional stability.

Similarly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a stern condemnation of the map, categorising its claims as extremist and in blatant violation of international laws. Saudi officials emphasised that such actions jeopardise the principles of coexistence and mutual respect that are crucial for regional harmony.

“Such allegations demonstrate Israeli intentions to consolidate occupation and violate the sovereignty of states,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said, urging global powers to take immediate action.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also denounced the map as a “blatant violation” of international norms. In its official statement, Qatar warned that such actions could derail peace efforts in the region.

“The international community must pressure Israel to respect international legitimacy and curb its expansionist ambitions,” the ministry said.

Israel’s recent actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria have reignited debates over its territorial ambitions, particularly in relation to the concept of “Greater Israel.” This idea, rooted in the Torah, envisions a land extending from the Euphrates River to the Nile River, encompassing parts of modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Gaza and the West Bank.

The notion of “Greater Israel” gained significant traction following Israel’s victories in the 1967 Six-Day War. During this period, the Movement for Greater Israel emerged, advocating for the permanent settlement of newly seized territories, further fuelling debates over expansionist policies. This historical backdrop adds complexity to current controversies surrounding Israel’s depiction of ancient territorial claims.

The controversy surrounding Israel’s territorial ambitions has been amplified by statements and symbolic interpretations. In 2024, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked outrage with his remark, “The future of Jerusalem is to expand to Damascus,” drawing sharp criticism from neighbouring nations.

Adding to the tension, a now-deleted article from The Jerusalem Post speculated whether Lebanon was part of Israel’s “promised territory,” further provoking backlash across the Arab world.

Symbolism has also played a contentious role. Critics have long interpreted the blue stripes on Israel’s flag as representing the Nile and Euphrates rivers, a claim the Israeli government has consistently denied. Similarly, assertions like Yasser Arafat’s 1990 claim that Israel’s ten agorot coin depicts “Greater Israel” have been officially dismissed as unfounded. These symbolic debates continue to inflame tensions over perceived expansionist intentions.

Amid heightened rhetoric, military actions and symbolic interpretations, the “Greater Israel” narrative continues to provoke debate, leaving many questioning whether it represents a historical myth, a political agenda, or mere posturing.

Palestinian authorities, including the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, have strongly condemned the controversial map, labelling it an extension of Israeli occupation. Palestinian leaders have called on the United Nations to intervene and hold Israel accountable for actions they claim undermine peace efforts and regional stability.

This controversy has reignited focus on the persistent and unresolved tensions in the Middle East. It has also prompted Arab nations to rally together in defence of their territorial sovereignty, highlighting the fragility of peace initiatives in the region.