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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How can the international community effectively respond to the challenges posed by extremist rhetoric in the region?
**Interview with Dr. Hana El-Sayed, Middle East Affairs Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Sayed. In light of recent statements made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Egypt has expressed serious concerns about international law and the peace process in the region. Can you summarize Egypt’s position regarding these statements?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Certainly. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explicitly stated that Smotrich’s comments represent a clear violation of international law and humanitarian principles, as well as Security Council resolutions. They argue that such statements not only undermine peace efforts but also reflect a broader Israeli refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the Palestinian issue.
**Editor:** What do you think Egypt means when it refers to an “absence of an Israeli partner” for peace?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** This phrase suggests that Egypt sees the current Israeli leadership, particularly voices like Smotrich’s, as unwilling to make the necessary compromises for peace. The implication is that there needs to be a capable Israeli partner willing to take bold steps towards negotiations, which historically have been difficult to achieve.
**Editor:** Smotrich’s comments have been described as “irresponsible” and “extremist.” How do these labels impact the already fragile relations in the region?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Such language from a high-ranking official is significant. It not only escalates tensions but also complicates diplomatic relationships. When key figures in the Israeli government make provocative statements, it can embolden hardline factions and make it more challenging for moderates on both sides to push for reconciliation.
**Editor:** What role does the international community play in response to such statements and the ongoing situation?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** The international community, particularly entities like the United Nations and the Arab League, have a crucial role in addressing violations of international law. There’s a need for diplomatic pressure to hold parties accountable and encourage a return to negotiation frameworks that prioritize peace and stability in the region. The advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice should serve as a guideline for these efforts.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. El-Sayed, for your insights on this pressing issue. It seems the road to peace remains fraught with challenges.
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a complex situation, but continuing dialogue and international cooperation are essential to moving forward.
