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 implications of Bezalel Smotrich’s comments for the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations?
**Interview with Dr. Layla Hassan, Middle East Politics Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. We’d like to discuss the recent statements made by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich, which Egypt has condemned as a violation of international law. Can you provide us with some context on this situation?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. Bezalel Smotrich’s comments have sparked significant backlash not only from Egypt but also from various international observers. His statements seem to reflect the hardline stance of certain Israeli government factions, which many see as undermining the peace process in the region. Egypt’s response underscores its long-standing position as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reinforcing the need for adherence to international law and humanitarian principles.
**Editor:** The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Smotrich’s remarks as reflective of an Israeli refusal to pursue peace. How does this fit into the broader dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations?
**Dr. Hassan:** This reflects a growing sentiment among several Arab nations that the current Israeli government is not genuinely committed to the peace talks. The absence of a perceived legitimate partner for negotiations from the Israeli side puts further strain on relations. Egypt’s statement suggests a frustration with the lack of willingness from certain Israeli leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, which is crucial for any possibility of a peaceful resolution.
**Editor:** The statement also referenced the advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the Israeli occupation. How significant is international law in guiding these discussions?
**Dr. Hassan:** International law plays a critical role in framing the discourse around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice provides a legal perspective that many countries and organizations reference to justify their positions. Egypt’s invocation of this opinion in its statement highlights an appeal to international norms and the hope for accountability on issues related to occupation and human rights.
**Editor:** Given the tensions surrounding these comments, what steps can international players take to de-escalate this situation?
**Dr. Hassan:** International actors, including the United States and the European Union, need to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel to encourage compliance with international law and the resumption of peace talks. Initiatives promoting dialogue and confidence-building measures between both sides could help reduce tensions. Additionally, supporting the Palestinian leadership in rebuilding and reforming could strengthen their position in any potential negotiations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insights into this complex issue. It’s clear that the path to peace remains challenging yet essential.
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital topic.
