MAPIM STRONGLY CONDEMNS EXTREMIST REMARKS BY US ENVOY SUGGESTING ISRAELI EXPANSION ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST

Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations) – MAPIM
Space U8 , Eco Mall , Bukit Jelutong , Shah Alam , Selangor Malaysia
azmiabdulhamid58@gmail.com
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PRESS STATEMENT
21st February 2026

The Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM) expresses grave concern and strong condemnation over the recent remarks attributed to the United States Ambassador to Israel suggesting that it would be “fine” if Israel were to expand its control across large parts of the Middle East, invoking claims of biblical entitlement to land stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates.

Such statements are reckless, dangerous and deeply irresponsible.

They not only undermine international law and the sovereignty of independent nations, but also legitimize expansionist ideologies that threaten regional stability and global peace.

The notion that territorial conquest can be justified through religious narratives contradicts the fundamental principles of the modern international system built upon state sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence.

MAPIM stresses that the concept of “Greater Israel” has long been associated with expansionist political ambitions that seek territorial control beyond internationally recognized borders. Any attempt to pursue such a project would amount to colonization through territorial expansion, creating severe regional tensions and posing direct threats to multiple sovereign states.

Such ambitions carry profound implications under international law.

The acquisition of territory by force, annexation policies and settlement expansion are clear violations of the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law and multiple UN resolutions. Endorsing or normalizing such narratives risks eroding the global legal order and encouraging instability.

MAPIM further emphasizes that the selective use of religious texts to justify geopolitical expansion reflects ideological manipulation rather than legitimate faith expression. Interpreting sacred scripture to advance imperial ambitions distorts religious teachings and fuels conflict between communities. Religion must never be instrumentalized to legitimize domination, occupation or displacement of peoples.

The ideology of territorial expansion beyond internationally recognized borders is a direct threat to multiple nations across the Middle East, including Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and others.

Normalizing such rhetoric risks encouraging further aggression, occupation and military escalation.

MAPIM calls upon:

1. The United States government to clarify its official position and reaffirm respect for international law and territorial sovereignty.
2. The United Nations and international community to reject any narrative legitimizing territorial expansion or annexation.
3. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to issue a unified and firm response condemning expansionist rhetoric and policies.
4. Regional and global leaders to prioritize diplomatic solutions and de escalation rather than narratives that fuel conflict.
5. The future of the Middle East must be based on justice, coexistence and respect for international law, not religiously framed territorial ambitions.

MAPIM reiterates that peace cannot be achieved through domination or occupation. Sustainable peace requires recognition of Palestinian rights, protection of holy sites and adherence to international legal frameworks.

Statements that appear to endorse regional expansion by force risk inflaming tensions at a time when the world already faces multiple conflicts and geopolitical uncertainties.

The international community must act responsibly to prevent further escalation.

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President
Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM)