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 might Egypt’s response to Smotrich’s statements impact its role as a mediator in Middle Eastern affairs?
**Interview with Dr. Amina El-Sayed, Political Analyst Specializing in Middle Eastern Affairs**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Sayed. We want to discuss the recent statements made by Israeli official Bezalel Smotrich and Egypt’s response. Can you provide some context on these comments and why they were particularly controversial?
**Dr. El-Sayed**: Thank you for having me. Smotrich’s statements have sparked significant outrage, not only in Egypt but across the international community. He made remarks that many interpret as undermining the foundations of peace and the legal standards concerning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rightly pointed out that such statements are in blatant violation of international law and various Security Council resolutions that aim to address this conflict.
**Editor**: The Egyptian government described Smotrich’s comments as “irresponsible and extremist.” What does this indicate about the current state of Israeli-Palestinian relations?
**Dr. El-Sayed**: This indicates a frustrating stagnation in the peace process. Egypt’s assertion that there is a lack of an Israeli partner willing to make courageous decisions highlights a profound concern. For peace negotiations to advance, it requires a commitment from both sides. However, statements like those from Smotrich exacerbate the environment of mistrust and potentially provoke further tensions.
**Editor**: Egypt has historically played a mediator role in the region. How do you see this incident affecting Egypt’s diplomatic efforts moving forward?
**Dr. El-Sayed**: Egypt’s position as a mediator could become more complicated with statements like Smotrich’s. While Egypt seeks to promote peace, such extreme rhetoric can lead to a sense of futility in negotiations, both regionally and internationally. It could potentially strain Egypt’s relationships with other Arab nations as well, particularly if they view Egypt as insufficiently supportive of Palestinian rights.
**Editor**: What steps do you think the international community should take in response to Smotrich’s comments and the ongoing tensions?
**Dr. El-Sayed**: The international community must reaffirm its commitment to the principles outlined in international law and push back against extremist rhetoric. Diplomatic efforts should be strengthened to encourage moderate voices in Israeli politics and to renew dialogue towards a peace process that honors the rights and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. It’s important for countries, especially those with influence over Israel, to promote a balanced approach that prioritizes dialogue and mutual recognition.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. El-Sayed, for your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. El-Sayed**: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we keep dialogues like this ongoing to foster understanding and work towards lasting peace.
