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 notably their right to self-determination, which is the only and practical solution to end the conflict in the region and get 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 has Egypt’s response to Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements reflected broader regional concerns regarding the peace process?
**Interview with Dr. Samira Ahmad, Middle Eastern Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ahmad. Egypt has expressed strong condemnation of Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s recent statements regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Can you explain why these statements are viewed as a violation of international law?
**Dr. Ahmad:** Thank you for having me. Egypt’s condemnation hinges on the fact that Smotrich’s statements directly challenge established international norms and the consensus around the rights of Palestinians. The country’s response highlights not only the legal perspective — citing international humanitarian law and U.N. Security Council resolutions — but also the broader implications for peace in the region.
**Interviewer:** What implications do these statements have for the peace process, according to Egypt?
**Dr. Ahmad:** Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has articulated that such rhetoric reflects a broader Israeli reluctance to engage in meaningful peace negotiations. It suggests that there is no credible partner within the current Israeli government willing to make the necessary compromises for peace, which ultimately perpetuates a cycle of tension and conflict.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what are the potential consequences of this stance from the Israeli government on regional stability?
**Dr. Ahmad:** The situation is precarious. Statements that dismiss diplomatic efforts and international law exacerbate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. They may also alienate key Arab states that are seeking to normalize relations with Israel. If this pattern continues, we could witness increased unrest both in the occupied territories and among Arab populations that support Palestinian rights.
**Interviewer:** What steps, if any, can Egypt or other Arab states take in response to these developments?
**Dr. Ahmad:** Egypt has traditionally played a mediating role, so we might see efforts to galvanize Arab countries to lobby for a return to negotiations. Egypt could also amplify its diplomatic initiatives at the U.N. and engage with international partners to address the implications of such statements. Dialogue remains crucial, but Egypt must also assert the necessity for adherence to international law.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmad, for your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. Ahmad:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep discussing these developments. The path to peace is complex, but open dialogue is essential.
