The "Greater Israel" (Eretz Yisrael Hashlemah) ideal is an ideological concept, rooted in some biblical interpretations and revisionist Zionism, that envisions a Jewish state encompassing historic Palestine, including parts or all of Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and other surrounding areas.

 

 The "Greater Israel" (Eretz Yisrael Hashlemah) ideal is an ideological concept, rooted in some biblical interpretations and revisionist Zionism, that envisions a Jewish state encompassing historic Palestine, including parts or all of Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and other surrounding areas. While often deemed a fringe idea in mainstream politics, some far-right Israeli political factions, including voices in the current government, have echoed this vision.

 

Key Aspects of the Ideology and Lebanon:

Territorial Ambitions: Proponents, historically linked to the Herut movement and currently some far-right figures, have included southern Lebanon—up to the Litani River or beyond—as part of the biblical Promised Land.

Geographic-Security Focus: The Litani River has historically been seen in some Zionist thought as a natural boundary and a source of water, feeding into arguments for expansion.

Modern Context & Fears: Some observers interpret recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon, such as intensive bombing campaigns and establishment of buffer zones, not merely as security measures against Hezbollah, but as potential steps aligned with this expansionist ideology,, which seeks to depopulate border areas and establish control.

Opposition and Realities: Despite these ideological narratives, there is no widely recognized evidence that an official, comprehensive policy to annex Lebanon is currently being implemented by the Israeli government.