Egypt condemned statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Tuesday, 12 November, following his orders to arrange infrastructure plans for annexing components of the West Financial institution the place Israeli settlements have been established.
In an announcement by the Ministry of International Affairs, Egypt described Smotrich’s remarks as a “blatant violation” of worldwide legislation, worldwide humanitarian legislation, and United Nations Safety Council resolutions.
The ministry criticized Smotrich’s remarks as “irresponsible and extremist,” reflecting a “confrontational stance” that disregards peace efforts and perpetuates regional battle.
The assertion additionally emphasised that these actions run counter to the worldwide group’s stance on resolving the battle by way of the institution of an unbiased Palestinian state alongside the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Egypt reiterated its name for a two-state answer and urged respect for worldwide resolutions as a path to stability within the area.
On Monday, 11 November, Smotrich outlined his plans to arrange the West Financial institution for annexation, citing optimism that the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump would again the transfer.
Smotrich, who oversees the West Financial institution’s settlements, acknowledged that he had directed Israeli authorities to start establishing infrastructure to assist Israeli “sovereignty” over the occupied territory, which he refers to as “Judea and Samaria.”
This plan has sparked widespread condemnation, with critics warning of its potential to disrupt peace efforts and escalate regional tensions.
Israel has established greater than 100 settlements within the West Financial institution, a lot of which resemble totally developed suburbs or small cities, housing over 500,000 Israeli settlers.
In the meantime, the three million Palestinians residing within the West Financial institution stay underneath Israeli navy management.
Though the Palestinian Authority governs components of the West Financial institution, it’s restricted from working in 60 % of the world, the place many of the settlements are positioned.
