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 existence 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 importantly their right to self-determination, which is the only and 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 on 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 impact do statements from Israeli officials like Bezalel Smotrich have on peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine?
**Interview with Dr. Lina Al-Mahdi, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Mahdi. Egypt recently condemned statements made by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich as a violation of international law. Can you explain the significance of these comments in the context of the current Israeli-Palestinian tensions?
**Dr. Al-Mahdi:** Thank you for having me. The statements made by Smotrich are significant because they underscore Israel’s ongoing resistance to a peace process that has broad international support. Egypt’s condemnation reflects a growing concern among Arab nations about the implications of such rhetoric, especially when it contradicts established international law and United Nations resolutions.
**Interviewer:** Egypt’s Foreign Ministry described Smotrich’s stance as “irresponsible” and indicative of an Israeli refusal to pursue peace. How do these remarks affect diplomatic relations in the region?
**Dr. Al-Mahdi:** These remarks can exacerbate existing tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Egypt, being a key mediator in the peace process, sees such statements as detrimental to any efforts for dialogue. The lack of a credible Israeli partner willing to engage in constructive negotiations raises fears that extremists on both sides will be emboldened, potentially derailing any hope for resolution.
**Interviewer:** The statement also references the advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice concerning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. How does this historical context play into the current situation?
**Dr. Al-Mahdi:** The advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice highlighted the legal implications of the occupation and affirmed the rights of Palestinians under international law. By disregarding these legal frameworks, officials like Smotrich not only undermine their own legitimacy but also isolate Israel on the global stage. This could lead to increased international pressure on Israel, and possibly, a reevaluation of support from traditional allies.
**Interviewer:** In light of these developments, what steps can be taken to foster dialogue and bring about a peaceful resolution?
**Dr. Al-Mahdi:** It is crucial for regional players, including Egypt and other Arab states, to maintain open channels for dialogue with both Israeli officials and Palestinian representatives. There needs to be a unified Arab stance that encourages peaceful negotiations while firmly opposing extremist rhetoric. Moreover, international actors must also engage more actively, reminding all parties of their commitments to international law and the necessity of compromise for sustainable peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Mahdi, for your insights on this pressing topic.
**Dr. Al-Mahdi:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope we can see positive steps toward resolution in the not-too-distant future.
