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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What are the key factors contributing to Egypt’s strong reaction to Bezalel Smotrich’s comments?
**Interview with Dr. Nabil Rahman, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rahman. We’ve been following the recent controversy surrounding Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements and their impact on relations with Egypt and Jordan. Could you start by explaining why Egypt reacted so strongly to Smotrich’s comments?
**Dr. Rahman:** Thank you for having me. Egypt’s response is rooted in its longstanding commitment to international law and its role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Smotrich’s statements are seen not only as provocative but also as a blatant disregard for international humanitarian principles and existing United Nations resolutions. This kind of rhetoric undermines the very foundation of the peace process.
**Editor:** In the Egyptian Foreign Ministry’s statement, they described Smotrich’s comments as reflective of an Israeli tendency to avoid peace negotiations. Can you elaborate on how this perception affects diplomatic relationships in the region?
**Dr. Rahman:** Absolutely. When leaders make statements that are deemed extreme or dismissive of established agreements, it creates an atmosphere of distrust. Egypt feels that such rhetoric illustrates a lack of willingness on Israel’s part to engage in meaningful dialogue, which is essential for peace. This type of statement not only damages bilateral ties but also complicates broader relationships across the Arab world.
**Editor:** What do you think the implications are for Israeli-Egyptian relations moving forward, especially considering the history between the two nations?
**Dr. Rahman:** The implications could be significant if this type of rhetoric continues. Egypt has historically played a critical role as a peace broker in the region, and a breakdown in relations with Israel could lead to a reconfiguration of alliances. Egypt’s security and stability are closely tied to the peace with Israel, but if they perceive that they are negotiating with a partner unwilling to uphold their commitments, it could lead Egypt to reassess that relationship.
**Editor:** What can we expect from the international community in light of these developments?
**Dr. Rahman:** The international community, particularly the United States and European nations, may need to step up diplomatic efforts to mitigate the fallout from these statements. We could see renewed calls for multilateral dialogue and pressure on Israel to reaffirm its commitment to peace negotiations. If left unaddressed, the rhetoric could lead to a destabilization of the entire region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rahman, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Rahman:** My pleasure, thank you for having me.
