Israeli ex-diplomat describes Netanyahu as ‘unhinged messiah’ driven by ‘delusions of grandeur’
Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, has told Al Jazeera that international condemnation of Israel’s murder of journalists in Gaza will do nothing to rein in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach, which appears increasingly driven by “messianic and self-ordained historic missions”.
Speaking from Tel Aviv, Pinkas said recent comments by the Israeli leader that he feels he is on a “historic and spiritual mission”, and is “very” attached to the vision of a so-called Greater Israel, were “extraordinarily dangerous”.
“I believe him and that is what worries me – he has become an unhinged messiah,” said Pinkas. “He has delusions of grandeur.”
Palestinian group condemns Netanyahu’s remarks about ‘Greater Israel’ vision
The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement has reacted to the Israeli prime minister’s interview with the i24 broadcaster, in which he declared himself attached to the vision of a “Greater Israel”.
The term refers to Israel, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights.
The Palestinian group said the statement threatens “Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon in a clear indication of the premeditated aggressive intentions towards the nations”.
“These statements are a blatant aggression against the sovereignty of the Arab states and Arab national security. Accordingly, we call for taking clear Arab positions towards these criminal Zionist intentions and plans,” the group said in a statement published on Telegram.
Jordan condemns Netanyahu’s remarks on ‘Greater Israel’
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the statements of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he expressed his attachment to what he called “Greater Israel vision”.
The ministry said the remark was a dangerous and provocative escalation, a threat to the sovereignty of states, and a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The ministry spokesperson, Sufyan Qudah, said that the Israeli statements and practices reflect the critical situation of the Israeli government, coinciding with its international isolation amid its ongoing aggression on Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Qudah emphasised the need for the international community to act immediately to stop all provocative Israeli actions and statements that threaten the region’s stability and international peace and security.
Qatar condemns Netanyahu’s ‘Greater Israel’ remarks
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the so-called “Greater Israel vision”, describing them as an extension of Israel’s “arrogant” approach that fuels crises, infringes on state sovereignty, and violates international law.
In a statement, the ministry warned the comments risk provoking further violence and chaos in the region, and stressed they would not undermine the legitimate rights of Arab nations and peoples.
It called for international solidarity to confront such “provocations” and reaffirmed its support for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace.
Saudi Arabia condemns Netanyahu’s ‘Greater Israel’ remarks
Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the so-called “Greater Israel vision”, rejecting what it described as settlement and expansionist plans by Israeli authorities.
In a statement carried by state news agency SPA, the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s historical and legal right to establish an independent and sovereign state on their own land, in line with international law.
Riyadh warned the global community that Israel’s “flagrant violations” undermine international legitimacy, infringe on state sovereignty, and threaten both regional and global peace and security.
