Egypt considered Smotrich‘s statements a blatant violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and all relevant Security Council resolutions, in addition to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
According to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “The Arab Republic of Egypt affirms that these irresponsible and extremist statements from a member of the Israeli government clearly reflect the Israeli tendency to refuse to adopt the peace option in the region, the absence of an Israeli partner capable of making courageous decisions to bring about peace, and the presence of an insistence on adopting a policy of arrogance, which is the same policy.” Which brought the region into the current cycle of conflict.”
The statement added that these “extremist” statements are in stark contrast to the position of the international community calling for ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Egypt stressed its rejection of these “reprehensible” statements that fuel extremism and violence, stressing the international responsibility to protect the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, most notably their right to self-determination, which is the only practical solution to end the conflict in the region and break out of the cycle of violence and destruction, warning against continuing the escalation approach. And extremism aims to prolong, inflame and expand the conflict.
Earlier yesterday, Monday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed during a meeting in the Knesset the victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections, considering it an opportunity to annex the West Bank to Israel.
Smotrich considered that “the year 2025 will be the year of sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), noting that “instructions have been issued to the Settlement Directorate in the Ministry of Security and the Civil Administration to begin work on preparing the infrastructure required to impose sovereignty.”
Smotrich added, “There is now a broad consensus in the coalition and the opposition from all parts of the Knesset to oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state that would pose a threat to the existence of Israel.”
Source: RT
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How might the response from Egyptian officials influence international perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Hassan, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. Egypt has recently expressed strong condemnation regarding Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements. What are the key points of Egypt’s response?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. Egypt’s response highlights several critical issues. Firstly, they categorize Smotrich’s statements as a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian law, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Security Council resolutions and the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
**Editor:** What does Egypt mean by describing these statements as reflecting an Israeli refusal to pursue peace?
**Dr. Hassan:** Egypt is expressing concern that Smotrich’s comments suggest a rejection of the peace process. By characterizing the statements as “irresponsible” and “extremist,” Egypt argues that they reveal a troubling trend within the Israeli government towards maintaining the status quo rather than seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. They feel this undermines efforts towards peace and indicates an absence of a viable Israeli partner willing to make necessary compromises.
**Editor:** How does this situation affect regional stability according to Egyptian officials?
**Dr. Hassan:** Egyptian officials believe that such statements, when viewed alongside the broader Israeli policies, contribute to a climate of tension and instability in the region. They argue that an adherence to belligerent rhetoric only solidifies divisions, making it increasingly difficult to leverage constructive dialogue and peace negotiations.
**Editor:** What steps could Egypt or other countries in the region take in response to these developments?
**Dr. Hassan:** Egypt may increase diplomatic engagement with both Palestinian authorities and other Arab states to forge a united front advocating for a return to peace talks. Additionally, they might work to mobilize international pressure on Israel through forums such as the United Nations to ensure compliance with international law and foster dialogue.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation remains complex and requires careful navigation by all parties involved.
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment for peace in the region, and ongoing dialogue is essential.
