Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid said he supports territorial expansion for Israel 'as broad as possible,' including areas extending toward Iraq, citing Zionist ideology and biblical principles. Speaking at a news conference, he said he backs policies aimed at securing a 'large, broad, strong land' for Jewish people and future generations, adding that his views are rooted in what he described as the biblical borders of the land of Israel.

Lapid noted that security and policy considerations could influence how such ambitions are pursued, though he did not provide specific details. His remarks come amid regional controversy over similar comments made by the United States ambassador to Israel.

The ambassador had suggested in a recent interview that it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over large parts of the Middle East, referencing biblical descriptions of territory stretching from the Euphrates River to the Nile River. Saudi Arabia criticized the remarks as 'extremist rhetoric' and urged Washington to clarify its position, while a spokesperson for the United States Embassy said the comments were taken out of context and did not signal a change in official policy.