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 implications of Israeli extremism for the future of the peace process in the Middle East?
**Interview with Dr. Fatima Ali, Middle East Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ali. Egypt has reacted strongly to Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s recent comments regarding the occupation of Palestinian territories. Can you provide an overview of Egypt’s position on this issue?
**Dr. Ali:** Thank you for having me. Egypt termed Smotrich’s statements a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian principles, referencing the advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that such statements illustrate a troubling pattern of extremism within the Israeli government, which undermines the peace process in the region.
**Interviewer:** The statement mentioned a refusal to adopt a peace option. What implications does this have for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict moving forward?
**Dr. Ali:** It suggests a significant obstacle to peace. Egypt’s assertion that there is no viable Israeli partner willing to make difficult decisions raises concerns about the future of negotiations. If hardline rhetoric continues to dominate Israeli politics, it could further entrench divisions and diminish hopes for a two-state solution.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned “extremism” in Israeli politics. How do you see this affecting regional stability?
**Dr. Ali:** Extremist policies can lead to heightened tensions both within Israel and among Palestinians, and possibly even among neighboring Arab nations. This environment can foster violence and disrupt any attempts at dialogue, making it vital for the international community to intervene and advocate for a more moderate and constructive approach.
**Interviewer:** What role do you think Egypt can play in these circumstances?
**Dr. Ali:** Egypt has historically been a key player in mediating peace initiatives. It can leverage its relationships with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to facilitate dialogue. Moreover, Egypt’s position as a member of the Arab League enables it to rally broader support for peace and advocate for adherence to international law.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ali, for your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your time today.
**Dr. Ali:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue these discussions to promote understanding and seek pathways to peace.