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 presence 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 notably their right to self-determination, which is the only 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 implications of Israeli officials’ controversial statements on the peace process in the Middle East?
**Interview with Dr. Leila Farouk, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Farouk. Egypt has recently condemned Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements as a violation of international law. Can you provide some context on why these statements are considered so controversial?
**Dr. Farouk:** Thank you for having me. Smotrich’s comments strike at the core of ongoing disputes regarding Israel’s policies in the Palestinian territories. Egypt’s condemnation underscores a longstanding sentiment that such rhetoric not only undermines international humanitarian law but also the frameworks designed to facilitate peace in the region, such as United Nations resolutions and the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions.
**Editor:** Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Smotrich’s statements as ‘irresponsible and extremist.’ How do you think labels like these impact diplomatic relations in the region?
**Dr. Farouk:** Labels like “irresponsible” and “extremist” can severely strain diplomatic relations. They reflect a rising frustration among Arab states regarding Israel’s refusal to engage in meaningful peace talks. Such rhetoric can foster a broader atmosphere of hostility, making it even more challenging to find a diplomatic partner willing to negotiate on contentious issues.
**Editor:** The statement also mentions an “absence of an Israeli partner” for peace negotiations. What might this imply for future diplomatic efforts?
**Dr. Farouk:** This reflects a deep concern that the current Israeli leadership is not equipped or willing to make the necessary concessions for peace. It implies that, without a shift in Israel’s internal policies or leadership, regional peace efforts may stagnate. This puts additional pressure on moderate Palestinian factions who advocate for dialogue and compromise.
**Editor:** Lastly, how can Egypt and other Arab nations respond to what they view as such provocative statements from Israeli officials?
**Dr. Farouk:** Egypt can continue to raise these concerns on international platforms, rallying support from allies to reaffirm the commitment to international law. Additionally, strengthening ties with moderate Palestinian groups and engaging in backchannel diplomacy could provide avenues for dialogue, even in the face of challenging rhetoric from some Israeli leaders. The key is to keep the conversation about peace open despite provocations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Farouk, for your insights on this important issue.
**Dr. Farouk:** It was my pleasure. Thank you for discussing this vital topic.