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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What are the implications of Bezalel Smotrich’s statements for international law and Israeli-Arab relations?
**Interview with Dr. Layla Ahmed, Middle East Policy Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ahmed. Let’s dive right into the recent statements made by Israeli Cabinet Minister Bezalel Smotrich, which Egypt has condemned as a violation of international law. Can you explain the context of these remarks?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Absolutely. Smotrich’s statements have raised significant alarm not only within Egypt but across the international community. His rhetoric appears to dismiss longstanding international legal frameworks concerning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. This is particularly concerning in light of Egypt’s commitment to upholding various resolutions and advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice.
**Interviewer:** The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled these statements as “irresponsible and extremist.” What do you think is the implication of this language in the context of Israeli-Arab relations?
**Dr. Ahmed:** The use of such strong language underscores a profound frustration in Egypt and among other Arab states regarding the current Israeli government’s approach to peace. By branding the remarks as extremist, Egypt is signaling that it sees a fundamental shift away from dialogue and diplomacy, leaning instead towards a more hardline stance that could exacerbate tensions in the region.
**Interviewer:** Egypt’s statement also touched on the lack of an “Israeli partner” for peace. How does this sentiment reflect broader sentiments in the Arab world?
**Dr. Ahmed:** This sentiment is widespread across the Arab world. There is a growing belief that the current Israeli leadership is unwilling to engage in meaningful negotiations or make the necessary compromises for peace. The absence of what Egypt calls a “partner capable of making courageous decisions,” suggests a recognition that without a genuine commitment to peace from Israel, the prospects for resolution remain bleak.
**Interviewer:** In light of this situation, what do you think Egypt’s next steps might be regarding its diplomatic strategy?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Egypt will likely continue to call for international intervention and support to uphold international law and human rights in the occupied territories. Additionally, Egypt could strengthen its ties with other Arab nations to present a unified front. Diplomatically, we may also see Egypt engaging with key international players to emphasize the necessity of renewed peace talks, reiterating the importance of a two-state solution.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmed. Your insights certainly provide a clearer understanding of the complexities involved in these recent developments.
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. It’s important for all of us to stay informed as this situation evolves.
