Ex-US Colonel Claims 'Greater Israel' Spans Middle East, Repeats Antisemitic Tropes

Retired US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor has alleged the existence of a "Greater Israel" project, which he claims would encompass not only Gaza and the West Bank but also Lebanon, Jordan, most of Syria, and parts of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. Macgregor presented this theory in the context of the recent trilateral alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, suggesting this pact is a direct response to the purported "Greater Israel" initiative. He asserted that regional nations are increasingly realizing their inability to rely solely on the United States for security.

Macgregor further posited that without American support and military presence, Israel would not survive, and its regional ambitions would be unattainable. He expressed skepticism about Israel's long-term viability as a nation-state in the region, stating, "It's hard for me to believe Israel will survive as a nation-state in the region" in the long run.

In addition to his geopolitical commentary, Macgregor reiterated antisemitic conspiracy theories. He claimed the US administration is controlled by "Zionist billionaires" and questioned who truly controls the financial systems in New York, Washington, and London. This echoes a long-standing antisemitic trope alleging covert Jewish or Zionist control over governments and financial institutions. Macgregor has previously voiced similar accusations in recent interviews, criticizing US support for Israel and alleging that "Zionist billionaires" dictate American policy.