Do ongoing attacks in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon hint at rise of Greater Israel?

With Israel intensifying its large-scale offensives against Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, many on social media are pointing to the possibility of the long-debated 'Greater Israel' becoming a reality.

In September, Social media users raised concerns following claims that some Israeli soldiers involved in Gaza’s ground operations were seen wearing badges depicting a map of 'Greater Israel.' 

This concept has been often mentioned by far-right Israeli ministers in the past, and it envisions a territorial expansion of Israel including parts of Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt.

For many Jews, the term Eretz Israel (Land of Israel) symbolizes a larger geographical area than the current Israeli borders. Historically rooted in religious and cultural narratives, this concept includes territories such as Judea, Samaria, and areas seized after the 1948 war, as well as the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights.

The notion of Greater Israel traces back to biblical times, when Jewish influence extended from Palestine to Syria and parts of the Euphrates.

Supporters of this idea claim it represents the fulfillment of promises made in ancient texts, asserting that all areas historically tied to the Israelites should be part of modern Israel.

Israel’s military operations in neighboring countries have escalated significantly in recent months. 

Alongside relentless strikes on Gaza, targeted attacks in Syria and Lebanon have intensified, with efforts toward a ceasefire by international bodies like the UN and the US proving ineffective.

Israel claimed to have destroyed approximately "70 to 80 percent" of Syria's military capabilities in its recent large-scale military offensive, which comes amid ongoing chaos following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad.

Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights buffer zone, which includes an area once known as Mount Bashan (now Jabal Al-Arab or Jabal Al-Druze in southern Syria), has raised significant concerns.

Israel's annexation of this area breaches the 1974 demilitarisation agreement.

Lebanon is bearing the brunt of Israeli aggression, with shopping malls, healthcare centers, and residential buildings targeted in repeated attacks. 

The ongoing assault has resulted in the deaths of at least 4,047 people and injuries to 16,638 civilians in Lebanon so far.

The overall Palestinian death toll since the beginning of Israel’s genocide on Gaza has reached at least 44,758 with more than 105,454 wounded. Thousands more remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

While many analysts dismiss the Greater Israel concept as an unrealistic fantasy, critics argue that Israel's military offensives and violations of international law are systematically working toward this strategic goal.

 They see the boldness of Israeli operations as a sign of a larger agenda unfolding in the Middle East.