In an interview with CNN, in response to a question: “Itamar Ben Gvir (the extremist Israeli Minister of National Security), who is, as you know, a key member of Netanyahu’s coalition (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), said about Trump’s victory: “The time has come for sovereignty over the West Bank.” But we know that they also believe that Israel should recolonize Gaza. Do you think that under Trump – who in his first term cut funding for UNRWA, closed the Palestine Liberation Organization office, and cut $200 million in US aid to the Palestinians – that any movement towards the American view that there must be a two-state political solution is… Move at risk?
Jan Egeland said: “Well, I admit that I watched the settlers and their representatives in the government – Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Interior Minister Ben Gvir – who were linked to these criminal gangs. I watched these settler gangs beat women and children, burn homes, and demolish schools. These are the settlers’ movements in reality. Now they are celebrating. But I think they might be surprised that Donald Trump will have to listen to the Gulf states, the Arab states, Saudi Arabia, Europe and the rest of the world. “They will say we cannot afford to be seen as hypocrites on the highest, astronomical level, by turning a blind eye to the horrific occupation of Palestine while trying to fight Putin’s occupation of Ukraine.”
And about The Israeli government essentially blocked UNRWA through a vote in the Knesset, and the Israeli government’s talk about private security companies escorting aid around Gaza, and the possibility of that, Jan Egeland said: “(It) would be a catastrophic strategic mistake.” No one will be touched by any of these politicized military aid efforts, and this goes against all of our humanitarian principles. “None of us…at the United Nations or the NGOs in the Red Cross and Red Crescent will touch it.”
He added: “UNRWA must be able to continue its work. It is vital, especially for education and health. I’ve seen it myself, children in schools and children in health centres, all of that is now at risk. This situation must be reversed. “You cannot continue to trample humanity as is happening here in Gaza.”
Source: CNN
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**Interview with Dr. Rachel Cohen, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. Let’s talk about Itamar Ben-Gvir and his statements regarding sovereignty over the West Bank. What are the implications of his position within Netanyahu’s government?
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. Ben-Gvir’s position is certainly alarming for many, especially given his history of inflammatory rhetoric and actions. His calls for sovereignty over the West Bank signal a clear shift towards more hardline policies that may further strain relations with the Palestinians. His influence in the coalition suggests that the government may move away from any semblance of compromise.
**Interviewer:** In light of Ben-Gvir’s ambitions, how do you view the potential for U.S. involvement under a Trump administration?
**Dr. Cohen:** Trump’s previous term saw significant cuts to Palestinian support and a clear dismissal of traditional peace frameworks, like the two-state solution. Given Ben-Gvir’s extremist positions and Trump’s historical actions, it is unlikely that any meaningful progress towards a two-state solution would occur. Instead, we may see a push towards more unilateral actions that favor Israeli expansion.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned unilateral actions; can you elaborate on what that might look like?
**Dr. Cohen:** Certainly. Unilateral actions could include the annexation of additional territories in the West Bank or renewed military engagement in Gaza. Ben-Gvir and his supporters believe that these measures would consolidate Israeli claims to the land, but they would likely exacerbate tensions and violence, leading to greater instability in the region.
**Interviewer:** With this potential escalation in mind, how do you see international reactions, particularly from the U.S. or Europe?
**Dr. Cohen:** The international community is watching closely. If the U.S. continues to support Israel’s right to expand its territory without consequences, it may embolden the Israeli right further. However, European nations and many within the U.S. are likely to push back against these developments, calling for negotiations and adherence to international law.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights on this crucial issue. It seems we are at a pivotal point in Israeli-Palestinian relations.
**Dr. Cohen:** Absolutely. It’s a complex and sensitive situation, and the coming months will be critical in shaping the future. Thank you for having me.