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 yesterday, 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 Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s remarks on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Khalil, Political Analyst and Middle East Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Khalil. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently issued a strong statement regarding Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s remarks. Can you provide some context on why these statements are being viewed as a violation of international law?
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me. Smotrich’s statements are particularly controversial because they are perceived as undermining international consensus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Egypt points to violations of not only international humanitarian law but also Security Council resolutions and the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions. These legal frameworks are intended to uphold peace and stability in the region, so any statements that dismiss these obligations are taken very seriously.
**Interviewer:** The Egyptian statement highlighted a “refusal to adopt the peace option” by Israel. What does this indicate about the current political landscape?
**Dr. Khalil:** It reflects a broader concern among Arab nations regarding Israel’s commitment to a negotiated peace. The Egyptian government views Smotrich’s rhetoric as emblematic of a government that may not prioritize a peaceful resolution and lacks a genuine partner for dialogue. This underscores fears of entrenched positions and a potential escalation of tensions, rather than progress towards a peaceful coexistence.
**Interviewer:** There is a mention of an “insistence on adopting a policy of arrogance.” Can you elaborate on what this means?
**Dr. Khalil:** This phrase suggests that there is a prevailing attitude within the Israeli government that dismisses the concerns of Palestinians and the international community. It indicates a lack of humility in navigating such a complex issue, as well as an unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue. This tendency can lead to further isolation for Israel on the international stage, making peace even more elusive.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what are the next steps for Egypt and other Arab nations in response to such statements from Israeli officials?
**Dr. Khalil:** Egypt and other Arab countries will likely continue to emphasize diplomatic channels, seeking to rally international support for a renewed push towards peace. They may also engage in dialogue with European nations and the United States to pressure Israel to adhere to international norms. Ultimately, the hope is to create an environment conducive to negotiations where both sides can discuss their grievances and aspirations for a future where peace is possible.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for your insights into this pressing issue.
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic that deserves ongoing attention.