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 strategies can the international community employ to support peace-building efforts in the region amid rising tensions?
**Interview with Dr. Leila Hassan, Middle East Politics Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. Recently, Egypt issued a strong statement condemning remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, describing them as a blatant violation of international law. Can you explain the significance of these statements?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. The Egyptian government’s response is significant because it highlights the ongoing tension and the challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Smotrich’s statements are seen as a rejection of the peace process, and they undermine efforts to reach a diplomatic solution that respects international law. Egypt, as a crucial player in the region, is emphasizing the need for responsible dialogue and cooperation.
**Editor:** Egypt mentioned that these remarks reflect an Israeli tendency to refuse the peace option. What implications does this have for future negotiations?
**Dr. Hassan:** This stance indicates a broader reluctance within certain factions of the Israeli government to engage seriously in peace talks. It creates a narrative that there isn’t a viable partner for peace on the Israeli side, which is deeply troubling. For negotiations to progress, both sides need to demonstrate a willingness to make difficult concessions, and such statements can significantly hinder that spirit of collaboration.
**Editor:** The statement also references an “absence of an Israeli partner capable of making courageous decisions.” Do you believe there are any Israeli leaders who could challenge this narrative and push for peace?
**Dr. Hassan:** There are indeed Israeli leaders and groups advocating for peace, but their voices often get overshadowed by more extreme positions within the government. Realistically, any progress toward peace will require stronger unilateral action by the international community to support moderate voices within Israel and empower those who seek a more peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and recognition of rights.
**Editor:** In light of this condemnation and the ongoing conflict, what steps do you think the international community should take?
**Dr. Hassan:** The international community needs to prioritize dialogue and create an environment that demands accountability for actions that violate international law. This includes supporting initiatives that promote human rights, providing platforms for dialogue, and facilitating negotiations that are inclusive of all relevant parties. Ultimately, a durable solution will emerge only when there is a commitment to peace from both sides, supported by the international community.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Hassan. It’s clear that the road to peace remains challenging but crucial for the stability of the region.
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. It’s an ongoing process that requires the attention and effort of everyone involved.
