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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How do Smotrich’s views reflect the current divide in Israeli politics concerning peace negotiations?
**Interview with Dr. Fatima Khalil, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khalil. We want to discuss recent comments made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, which Egypt has condemned as a violation of international law. Can you summarize Egypt’s position on this matter?
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me. Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded strongly to Smotrich’s comments, characterizing them as irresponsible and extremist. They see these statements not only as a rejection of peace but also as indicative of a broader trend within the Israeli government. Egypt believes that Smotrich’s rhetoric undermines the potential for negotiations and further entrenches tensions in the region.
**Editor:** Why does Egypt view these statements as a violation of international law, specifically in regard to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories?
**Dr. Khalil:** The Egyptian government is drawing on several aspects of international law, including various Security Council resolutions and the advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding the Israeli occupation. They argue that such statements exacerbate the situation on the ground and disregard established legal frameworks intended to promote peace and stability.
**Editor:** Smotrich is a member of a right-wing faction in the Israeli government. How do you think his views represent the current political climate in Israel?
**Dr. Khalil:** Smotrich’s statements illuminate a significant divide within Israeli politics. His faction has taken a hardline stance, which may resonate with a segment of the Israeli electorate but alienates potential partners for peace negotiations. This suggests a troubling trend where more extremist views gain prominence, potentially sidelining moderate voices that advocate for dialogue and compromise.
**Editor:** Egypt also mentioned the absence of an Israeli partner for peace. What implications does this have for future negotiations in the region?
**Dr. Khalil:** The lack of a credible Israeli partner complicates the prospect of meaningful negotiations. If the current Israeli leadership continues to adopt hardline positions, it makes it difficult for Arab states, including Egypt, to engage constructively. This scenario perpetuates a cycle of distrust and disengagement, which can have dire consequences for both regional security and the prospects for a two-state solution.
**Editor:** what steps can be taken by the international community to address this situation and promote peace in the region?
**Dr. Khalil:** The international community plays a crucial role by urging both parties to return to negotiations while reaffirming commitments to international law. There needs to be a unified effort among key stakeholders—such as the U.S., EU, and Arab states—to hold all parties accountable for their rhetoric and actions and to foster an environment conducive to peace talks. Additionally, supporting grassroots initiatives that promote dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians can help build trust at the community level.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that the road to peace remains fraught with challenges, but understanding these dynamics is essential.
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic.
