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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How might the recent outrage from Egypt influence Israel’s diplomatic relations with other Arab nations?
**Interview with Dr. Leila Hassan, Middle East Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. The recent statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have sparked considerable outrage, especially from Egypt. Can you elaborate on the key concerns expressed by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding these statements?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. The Egyptian government has firmly condemned Smotrich’s remarks, viewing them as a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian principles. Their statement emphasizes that such rhetoric not only undermines ongoing peace efforts but also highlights a troubling tendency within some factions of the Israeli government to reject diplomatic solutions in favor of more extreme policies.
**Editor:** The statement also points to the perceived absence of a credible Israeli partner for peace. How does this reflect on the broader peace process in the region?
**Dr. Hassan:** Absolutely. Egypt’s assertion underscores a critical challenge: without a partner willing to make difficult decisions, the peace process is stalled. Smotrich’s rhetoric suggests a continuation of policies that further entrench the division and instability rather than pave the way toward negotiation and reconciliation. This complicates Egypt’s role as a mediator in the region, as it casts doubt on Israel’s commitment to peaceful dialogue.
**Editor:** Egypt has labeled these statements as “irresponsible” and “extremist.” What impact do you foresee this having on Israeli-Egyptian relations and the wider Arab-Israeli dynamic?
**Dr. Hassan:** Such statements can strain not just Israeli-Egyptian relations but also affect broader Arab-Israeli dynamics. Egypt has historically played a mediating role in the peace process, and sharp rhetoric coming from Israeli officials pushes Arab nations to reassess their diplomatic stances. The potential for cooperative dialogue diminishes as tensions escalate, creating a more volatile environment in a region already fraught with conflict.
**Editor:** what do you think are the next steps for regional actors in light of these developments?
**Dr. Hassan:** The key lies in reaffirming commitments to international law and humanitarian principles. Regional actors must engage in dialogue, even amidst controversy, to reinforce the need for a peaceful resolution. There will likely be international pressure on Israel to clarify its position and on Arab states to remain unified in advocating for a fair peace process. The road ahead requires collective collaboration, but it will demand courage and determination from all sides involved.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me; it’s a pleasure to discuss these important matters.
