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
#Extremist #statements #Egypt #comments #Israeli #Finance #Ministers #call #annex #West #Bank
How might Dr. Maya Hassan assess the current role of Egypt in mediating Middle East conflicts following recent tensions?
**Interview with Dr. Maya Hassan, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hassan. Egypt has recently condemned the statements made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as a violation of international law. What are your thoughts on this reaction?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. Egypt’s response underscores the deepening tensions in the region and reflects a broader frustration with the current Israeli government’s approach to peace negotiations. The statements made by Smotrich are seen not only as extreme but also as dismissive of established international norms that seek to uphold human rights and the dignity of Palestinians.
**Interviewer:** The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described these remarks as irresponsible and arrogant. How significant is this language, particularly coming from a nation that has mediated in peace talks before?
**Dr. Hassan:** The choice of language is quite telling. Egypt has historically played a role as a mediator and has often sought to present itself as a stabilizing force in the region. By using terms like “irresponsible” and “arrogant,” Egypt is signaling that it is losing patience with Israel’s current government and its policies. This shift may indicate a willingness to reassess its role in peace processes if there’s no genuine partner on the other side.
**Interviewer:** Smotrich’s statements also come in the context of broader discussions about international law and humanitarian guidelines. What implications could this have for international relations in the region?
**Dr. Hassan:** The implications could be quite significant. When a government official openly disregards international law, it invites scrutiny not just from neighboring nations but also from global powers. It can alienate potential allies and complicate relationships with entities looking to mediate peace. This situation may also energize Palestinian advocacy groups and increase international calls for accountability.
**Interviewer:** Do you believe there is a viable path to peace given the current climate of statements like Smotrich’s?
**Dr. Hassan:** It’s challenging, to say the least. Statements without constructive action often perpetuate cycles of violence and hostility. For peace to be achievable, both sides must have leaders who are willing to engage in meaningful dialogue and make sacrifices. Unfortunately, as Egypt’s statement suggests, there’s a sentiment that such leadership is lacking in Israel right now.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hassan. It’s clear that the path to peace remains fraught with difficulties.
**Dr. Hassan:** It’s my pleasure. The situation is complex, and understanding these dynamics is crucial for moving forward.
