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 are the potential consequences of Egypt’s condemnation of Israeli officials for the broader Middle East peace process?
**Interview with Dr. Maya El-Sayed, Expert in International Relations and Middle Eastern Politics**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Sayed. Recently, Egypt has condemned statements made by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich, regarding the occupation of Palestinian territories. What are your thoughts on Egypt’s response to Smotrich’s comments?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Thank you for having me. Egypt’s response highlights the broader tensions in the region and reiterates the principles of international law. By calling Smotrich’s statements a violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions, Egypt is signaling that it expects all parties to respect established legal frameworks as a basis for peace.
**Editor:** The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized Smotrich’s remarks as “irresponsible and extremist.” How do you interpret this language and its implications for Israeli-Egyptian relations?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Such strong language indicates Egypt’s growing frustration with the current Israeli government’s stance. It reflects not only a rejection of Smotrich’s views but also a broader sense of hopelessness regarding Israel’s commitment to peace. This may strain diplomatic relations, especially as Egypt has historically positioned itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
**Editor:** What does the phrase “absence of an Israeli partner capable of making courageous decisions” suggest about the current political landscape in Israel?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** It suggests that Egypt perceives a lack of political will or leadership within Israel to pursue peace negotiations. This sentiment is significant because it underscores the complexity of finding a resolution to the conflict, especially when key Israeli figures endorse hardline positions that undermine potential dialogue.
**Editor:** Given the current state of affairs, what are the next steps for Egypt in addressing these issues with Israel and the international community?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Egypt will likely continue to advocate for adherence to international law while seeking support from its Arab allies and the international community. They may push for renewed discussions at the United Nations or seek to engage the U.S. as a mediator. Ultimately, Egypt’s goal remains to foster a climate conducive to negotiations and to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. El-Sayed, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that the dialogue surrounding Israeli-Palestinian relations remains complex and fraught with challenges.
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that these discussions continue if we hope to see any lasting resolution in the region.