The Intersection of Faith and Policy
A phrase historically confined to religious texts has recently moved to the forefront of modern geopolitical strategy. The concept of “Greater Israel” is no longer discussed merely as a fringe ideology or theological abstraction; it is now treated as an immediate political reality tied directly to territorial ambitions and the future rights of Palestinians.
Recent reporting by Al Jazeera highlights a confronting question for the international community regarding the drivers of current US-Israel relations. The core issue remains how much of this relationship is shaped by law, diplomacy and human rights versus religious prophecy. This distinction matters deeply for Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, Jordanians and Egyptians living under the shadow of expansion.
The Rise of Christian Zionism
Christian Zionism is a belief system held by some Christians, particularly within segments of the evangelical movement, that views the modern state of Israel as intrinsically linked to biblical prophecy. While the movement spans various denominations, evangelical Christians form its core.
Many supporters believe they have a religious obligation to support Israel. Others frame their backing in political or strategic terms, viewing Israel as a natural US ally and protector of the Holy Land. This sentiment has evolved from personal faith into a structured political force that influences voter blocs, lobbying networks and foreign policy messaging.
The Danger of Theological Statecraft
The concern is not that Christians support Israel itself. Many Christians, Jews, Muslims and people of no faith advocate for peace, safety and justice for all in the region. The issue arises when theology transforms into state policy and when a religious reading of land is used to excuse occupation or military domination over other peoples.
Once this shift occurs, Palestinians are no longer treated as a people with rights, history and land. Instead, they are treated as an inconvenience inside someone else’s prophecy. This dynamic makes the idea of “Greater Israel” so dangerous because it normalises the treatment of occupied territory as a divine promise rather than a legal dispute.
The Reality of “Greater Israel”
Reports indicate that recent comments from senior US and Israeli political figures about this concept triggered significant regional concerns over sovereignty and territorial expansion.
Al Jazeera’s coverage has examined how the “Greater Israel” project has moved from an idea embedded in Israeli politics into a clearer vision connected to policy and territorial ambition. Reporting described the project as a framework for understanding where some of Israel’s actions across the region come from and why the debate has become more urgent.
Regional Anger and Historical Context
This is why the issue has caused anger across the region. When senior figures speak about biblical borders, they are not speaking into an empty room. They are addressing a region already scarred by occupation, bombardment, forced displacement and broken promises.
For Palestinians, the fear is not abstract. They have watched land disappear under settlements, checkpoints, walls, military control and political deals that speak of peace while allowing facts on the ground to keep changing. Neighbouring countries like Lebanon, Syria and Iran have already been dragged into repeated cycles of confrontation, while Gaza and the West Bank remain at the centre of the human cost.
From Theory to Policy
The United States plays a central role in this story. For decades, Washington has provided Israel with extraordinary diplomatic, military and political support. Under Donald Trump, some of the most symbolic pro-Israel moves became official US policy.
His administration recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and opened the US Embassy there in 2018. The Trump White House described this decision as fulfilling a long-standing promise. This move was celebrated by Israel’s government and many Christian Zionist supporters in the United States, but for Palestinians it served as another sign that Washington was not acting as a neutral peace broker.
A similar pattern was seen with the Golan Heights, Syrian land occupied by Israel since 1967. Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan in 2019, a move that broke with long-standing international consensus and was condemned across much of the region. That decision fed the argument that US policy was moving closer to accepting Israeli control over occupied land instead of challenging it.
The Central Role of the United States
In this context, Christian Zionism becomes more than a religious belief; it acts as a political force that gives politicians a language turning occupation into destiny and military power into divine purpose. It helps shape voter blocs, lobbying networks, donor pressure and foreign policy messaging.
The International Court of Justice has already made clear that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and that Israel must bring that presence to an end as rapidly as possible. That legal finding matters because it directly clashes with any ideology that treats occupied land as promised land.
International law states that occupation cannot become sovereignty simply because enough time has passed, enough settlements have been built, or enough politicians have blessed it. For Palestinians, the result has been generations of loss where land has been taken, homes demolished and families displaced.
Faith should never be used to erase another people.