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 key reasons behind Egypt’s condemnation of Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s comments?
**Interview with Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed, Middle Eastern Politics Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Sayed. Recently, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement regarding comments made by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Can you summarize Egypt’s position on his statements?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Certainly. Egypt condemned Smotrich’s remarks as a clear breach of both international law and humanitarian law, highlighting their alignment—or misalignment—with existing United Nations Security Council resolutions and the advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice concerning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. His comments reflect a troubling trend of rejecting the peace process, as noted in the Egyptian statement.
**Editor:** The statement also suggests a lack of a willing Israeli partner for peace talks. What implications does this have for future negotiations between Israel and Palestine?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** This underscores a significant challenge. Egypt’s assertion that there is no capable partner in Israel willing to make necessary compromises indicates a systemic issue in Israeli leadership. It suggests that as long as extremist positions dominate, the prospects for peace will remain dim, limiting any potential for dialogue or advancement towards a lasting solution.
**Editor:** The term “policy of arrogance” was used in reference to Israeli actions. How do you interpret this phrase within the context of the ongoing conflict?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** “Policy of arrogance” suggests an attitude of dismissiveness towards international norms and the rights of Palestinians. It implies that there is a refusal to engage constructively with not only the Palestinian leadership but also the broader international community. This mindset can exacerbate tensions and hinder any efforts aimed at reconciliation, driving the region further away from stability.
**Editor:** Lastly, how do you see Egypt’s role evolving in mediating this conflict under these circumstances?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Egypt has historically been a key mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With current dynamics, Egypt may need to reassess its strategies and possibly work more closely with other Arab states and international entities to create a unified front advocating for renewed peace efforts. However, the success of such initiatives will heavily depend on the willingness of Israeli leadership to engage meaningfully in dialogue.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. El-Sayed. This is certainly a critical juncture for peace in the region.
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential we keep the dialogue going on these important issues.
