Fact check: Is there an ambition by Israel to expand its territory to a greater Israel

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that there is evidence to support the claim that Israel has an ambition to expand its territory to a greater Israel ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's announcement to push ahead with settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, which he believes will 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state', indicates a desire to expand Israel's territory ^[1]. Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that he is 'absolutely' subscribed to the 'Greater Israel' vision, which involves expanding Israel's territory to include the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and parts of other countries, directly supports this claim ^[2]. The 'David Corridor' project, which aims to connect Israel with the Euphrates River in Syria, provides further evidence of Israel's ambition to expand its territory ^[3]. However, other analyses suggest that the historical context of Israel's borders and the impact of the 1967 Six Day War, which led to Israel's occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, do not necessarily imply an ambition to expand its territory to a greater Israel ^[4]. The expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank could be seen as an indication of Israel's ambition to expand its territory, but it is also a major point of contention and a human rights issue ^{[5] [6]}. The idea of a 'Greater Israel' is gaining traction among Israel's hard-right factions, with key figures in the Netanyahu government framing neighboring states as mere 'entities', hinting at shifting territorial ambitions ^[7].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some analyses highlight the historical context of the concept of 'Greater Israel', tracing its evolution from early Zionist history to the present day, and argue that the idea has been influenced by antisemitic conspiracy theories and has lost significance over time, but still remains a core principle for some right-wing groups in Israel ^[8]. Others focus on the human rights violations and suffering of Palestinians under Israel's occupation, including the expansion of settlements, which provides an alternative viewpoint on the issue ^[5]. The role of social media in spreading false claims and conspiracy theories surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict is also an important context to consider ^[9]. Furthermore, the fact that Israel's announcement of a major expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank could be seen as a buffer against enemies, rather than solely an attempt to expand its territory, adds complexity to the issue ^[6]. It is also worth noting that the idea of a 'Greater Israel' is not universally accepted among Israelis, and there are likely many who do not support this vision ^[8].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be biased towards presenting a one-sided view of Israel's ambitions, as it does not fully acknowledge the complexity of the issue or the various perspectives on the concept of 'Greater Israel' ^{[1] [2] [3]}. The statement may also be influenced by misinformation or disinformation surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, which could be spread through social media or other channels ^[9]. Additionally, the statement may benefit certain groups or individuals who seek to promote a particular narrative or agenda, such as those who support the idea of a 'Greater Israel' or those who seek to criticize Israel's actions ^{[1] [2] [3]}. On the other hand, the statement may also be seen as a legitimate expression of concern about Israel's actions and their impact on the Palestinian people, and may benefit those who seek to raise awareness about human rights issues in the region ^[5]. Ultimately, it is crucial to consider multiple sources and perspectives when evaluating the original statement, in order to gain a more nuanced understanding of the complex issues at play ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [9] [8]}.