THE DAVID CORRIDOR: A GEOPOLITICAL GAME BEHIND THE GREATER ISRAEL AND ITS IMPACT ON GAZA

Abstract

This article explores the controversial yet geopolitically significant theory of the "David Corridor"—an alleged Israeli-backed plan aiming to reshape the Middle East by fragmenting Syria into ethnically distinct regions. Rooted in the ideology of the "Greater Israel" project, the corridor is said to stretch from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights through southern Syria and northern Iraq, reaching close to Iran’s border. The so-called “David Corridor”—a purported plan attributed to Israel and its allies to reshape Syria by fostering ethnic and sectarian divisions, especially among Druze and Kurdish populations. By fostering alliances with minority groups, the plan allegedly seeks to counter Iranian influence, weaken Arab nationalist forces, and establish long-term strategic depth for Israel. Although officially unacknowledged, field developments and geopolitical maneuvers lend credibility to the theory. Drawing from the Realist school of international relations, the article examines how states pursue power and survival through influence, fragmentation, and proxy engagement, rather than through moral or ideological goals. The article further contextualizes the corridor within broader regional dynamics, including the Netzarim and Philadelphi Corridors in Gaza, the partitioning of Syria, and Iran-Israel hostilities. The piece argues that whether real or speculative, the David Corridor reflects deeper truths about Middle Eastern geopolitics—where borders are fluid, alliances are pragmatic, and strategies are shaped by shifting balances of power. Ultimately, it invites critical reflection on whether Syria is headed toward reunification or permanent partition as part of a broader restructuring of the region. The Middle East remains a hotbed of geopolitical rivalries, proxy wars, and shifting alliances. Among the many narratives circulating in the area, one controversial concept has emerged: This article explores the idea in detail, its implications for Syria and Gaza in a broader way, and how Realism as an international relations theory explains the motivations behind such regional maneuvers.