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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How can international actors effectively promote dialogue and stability in the Middle East in response to escalating tensions?
**Interview with Dr. Amina El-Sayed, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Sayed. Egypt recently condemned Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements as a violation of international law. Can you provide some context on why these remarks have triggered such a strong response?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Thank you for having me. Smotrich’s comments were seen not just as inflammatory, but as a direct challenge to established international law frameworks, including the humanitarian laws and Security Council resolutions that pertain to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made clear that they view these statements as indicative of a broader Israeli refusal to engage in genuine peace negotiations.
**Editor:** The statement from Egypt highlights a perceived lack of a credible partner for peace within the Israeli government. What do you think this means for future negotiations in the region?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** This reflects a growing frustration among Arab nations regarding the Israeli government’s approach. Without a partner willing to make tough decisions for peace, any talks become increasingly futile. The assertion of an “Israeli tendency to refuse to adopt the peace option” suggests that Egypt and other Arab states see little hope in the current political climate for achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
**Editor:** There’s mention of a policy of arrogance within Israeli leadership. How does this affect regional dynamics and relationships between Israel and its neighbors?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Such a policy alienates key players in the region, not just Egypt but also other Arab nations. It contributes to a sense of isolation for Israel, undermining any efforts to build alliances or stabilize relationships. This can lead to heightened tensions, as nations may feel compelled to respond to these provocations, which in turn could diminish opportunities for dialogue and cooperation.
**Editor:** In light of Egypt’s response, what steps do you believe could be taken by international actors to de-escalate the situation?
**Dr. El-Sayed:** International actors must apply pressure on Israeli leadership to adhere to international norms and consider the implications of their rhetoric and policies. This could involve greater diplomatic engagement, as well as support for initiatives that promote dialogue and understanding. Additionally, robust interventions by global institutions like the UN may be necessary to address the underlying issues of occupation and rights violations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. El-Sayed, for your insights on this complex issue. It’s clear that the situation remains highly sensitive and multifaceted.
**Dr. El-Sayed:** Thank you for having me. It is indeed a challenging landscape, and continued dialogue is essential for progress.
