Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with broadcaster i24 News, excerpts of which were published by the Times of Israel on 12 August, that he views himself as being on a “historic and spiritual mission” and feels “very” attached to the vision of a “Greater Israel.” He defined the concept as extending Israeli sovereignty beyond its present borders to include areas slated for a future Palestinian state as well as parts of Jordan and Egypt. The public embrace of the controversial idea, rarely voiced so explicitly by a sitting Israeli leader, is expected to heighten regional unease at a moment when international mediators continue to press for renewed negotiations on a two-state solution. Netanyahu framed his stance in religious terms, calling it a mission for “generations,” but did not specify any immediate policy steps. Israeli, Jordanian and Egyptian officials have yet to comment on the remarks.