Araghchi warns of ‘Greater Israel’ illusion ahead of OIC emergency meeting

In an article published in Asharq al-Awsat on the eve of an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Araghchi wrote that the upcoming session must serve as a turning point to solidify the collective resolve of Muslim states.

He urged member countries to halt Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “insatiable ambitions” and to prevent the continuation of massacres, destruction, and annexation of Islamic lands.

“The forthcoming OIC ministerial meeting should not be confined to declarations of solidarity with the Palestinian people or expressions of regret and concern over the current situation,” Araghchi said.

“It is a historic test for the Islamic Ummah and perhaps one of the few opportunities to forge a regional and global coalition to stop Israeli aggression.”

The foreign minister also posed a “decisive question”: which country would be the next target after Syria? He warned that Netanyahu’s recent remarks and actions are not passing claims but a direct declaration of policy and strategy aimed at implementing the idea of a “Greater Israel from the Nile to the Euphrates.”

According to Araghchi, this would undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of independent states, including Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

Calling the plan a blatant violation of the UN Charter and peremptory norms of international law, Araghchi said it exposes Israel’s aggressive intentions to dominate the Islamic world.

He added that with Netanyahu openly proclaiming himself the executor of the “Greater Israel” project, there is no room for illusion or indifference.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu said that he feels a deep connection to "this vision" of a “Greater Israel,” referring to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories as well as parts of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, and described it as “a historical and spiritual mission.”

Araghchi also denounced the continued support of Western powers, particularly the United States, for Israel, arguing that such backing amounts to complicity in crimes and poses a growing danger to regional and global stability.

Repeated US vetoes at the UN Security Council, he noted, have prevented the body from fulfilling its responsibility to halt Israeli aggressions and prosecute perpetrators.

At least 62,622 Palestinians have been martyred, mostly women and children, and another 157,673 individuals have been injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza.