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
#Extremist #statements #Egypt #comments #Israeli #Finance #Ministers #call #annex #West #Bank
What are the potential consequences of Egypt’s assertion of a “lack of an Israeli partner” for future peace negotiations in the region?
**Interview with Dr. Layla Hassan, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. We’d like to discuss Egypt’s recent response to Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. How significant is Egypt’s position on this matter?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. Egypt’s response is quite significant as it represents the position of a key player in the Arab world and a historical mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By calling Smotrich’s statements a violation of international law, Egypt is emphasizing the need for adherence to established legal frameworks in resolving the conflict.
**Interviewer:** The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Smotrich’s remarks as “irresponsible” and “extremist.” What does this indicate about Egypt’s stance on peace negotiations in the region?
**Dr. Hassan:** Egypt’s language suggests that it views Smotrich’s statements as reflective of a broader Israeli unwillingness to engage in meaningful peace negotiations. By labeling them “irresponsible,” Egypt is signaling its concern over the direction of Israeli policies under the current government, indicating that Egypt sees these actions as obstructive rather than conducive to peace.
**Interviewer:** They also mentioned a “lack of an Israeli partner.” What implications does this have for future peace efforts?
**Dr. Hassan:** This assertion implies that Egypt believes the current Israeli leadership does not provide a viable counterpart for negotiations aimed at achieving peace. This could be a significant hurdle, as successful negotiations require a partner willing to make tough decisions. It brings into question the feasibility of reaching a sustainable resolution under the current circumstances.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what does this situation reveal about the broader dynamics in the Middle East currently?
**Dr. Hassan:** It highlights growing tensions and a potential shift in regional alliances. As some Arab states continue to pursue normalization with Israel, the dissent from others, like Egypt, suggests a rift where differing views on Palestinian rights and statehood are becoming increasingly pronounced. The situation serves as a reminder that peace in the region is complex and necessitates sincere efforts from all parties involved.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. I hope for a peaceful resolution soon.
