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 presence 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 notably their right to self-determination, which is the only 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 potential consequences of Egypt’s condemnation of Israeli statements for its diplomatic relations in the region?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Farouk, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Farouk. Egypt recently condemned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements, calling them a violation of international law. Can you elaborate on the implications of this reaction from Egypt?
**Dr. Farouk:** Thank you for having me. Egypt’s response is significant, as it reflects long-standing tensions in the region regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By labeling Smotrich’s comments as a blatant violation of international law, Egypt is reaffirming its commitment to international frameworks and the importance of negotiating peace based on established legal norms.
**Editor:** The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also mentioned a lack of an Israeli partner capable of making courageous decisions. What does this mean for the peace process?
**Dr. Farouk:** This statement indicates a growing frustration with the current Israeli leadership and their willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. When Egypt asserts that there’s an “absence of an Israeli partner,” it suggests that they feel the current government is not inclined toward making the compromises necessary to achieve peace. The peace process relies heavily on leadership that prioritizes reconciliation, and right now, that seems uncertain.
**Editor:** The mention of the advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice is intriguing. How does this factor into the broader conversation on international law and the Israeli occupation?
**Dr. Farouk:** The advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice serves as a legal foundation that condemns the Israeli occupation and asserts the rights of the Palestinian people. When statements like Smotrich’s disregard such international rulings, it sparks concerns about the legitimacy of Israeli policies and actions. For neighboring countries like Egypt, adherence to international law is crucial in maintaining regional stability and pursuing peace.
**Editor:** Lastly, in your view, what steps should be taken to foster a more conducive environment for peace in the region?
**Dr. Farouk:** It’s essential for all parties to prioritize dialogue and build trust. This involves not only addressing grievances but also fostering a commitment to human rights and equality. International actors, including Egypt, need to play a mediating role, and there should be renewed diplomatic efforts to engage leaders on both sides who are genuinely interested in making peace a reality. Ultimately, a collective approach to addressing security concerns and humanitarian issues is crucial for meaningful progress.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Farouk. Your insights offer a comprehensive perspective on this complex issue.
**Dr. Farouk:** My pleasure, thank you for having me.
