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 notably their right to self-determination, which is the only and practical solution to end the conflict in the region and get 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 impact do Dr. Layla Amin’s insights have on our understanding of Egyptian responses to Israeli policies?
**Interview with Dr. Layla Amin, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Amin. Recently, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned statements made by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich, calling them a blatant violation of international law. Can you provide some context regarding these statements?
**Dr. Amin**: Thank you for having me. Smotrich’s remarks reignited tensions, particularly in light of ongoing concerns regarding Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories. Egypt’s response highlights the broader frustration among Arab states about perceived Israeli disregard for international norms and the ongoing occupation.
**Interviewer**: The Egyptian government also claimed that such statements reflect a refusal to pursue peace. How do you interpret this sentiment?
**Dr. Amin**: It illustrates a growing sentiment among Arab states that the current Israeli leadership is not interested in genuine peace initiatives. Egypt is emphasizing that without a willing and courageous partner in Israel, long-lasting solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain elusive. Their statement points to a sense of urgency for re-engaging in meaningful dialogue.
**Interviewer**: The Palestinian territories remain a contentious issue. How might these developments affect future peace talks and the role of international entities like the United Nations?
**Dr. Amin**: Continued inflammatory rhetoric may further alienate potential partners for peace and stall diplomatic efforts. Egypt, by voicing its concerns, seeks to rally international support for a renewed dialogue based on existing legal frameworks and resolution. The UN and other international bodies play crucial roles in mediating these tensions, but the actual resolution requires a commitment from both the Israeli government and Palestinian leadership.
**Interviewer**: What are the next steps for Egypt and other nations in the Arab world in light of these statements?
**Dr. Amin**: Egypt will likely continue to advocate for a unified Arab stance against extremism and for compliance with international law. They may also seek to strengthen alliances with other countries in the region to pressure Israel toward recognizing the necessity of a peaceful resolution. Engaging the international community will be essential to amplify these concerns and encourage action.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Amin, for sharing your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Amin**: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these discussions alive as we navigate such a crucial moment in the region.
