Portrait of Bezalel Smotrich
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Bezalel Smotrich on Egypt

Condemns Egyptian role (strong)

TL;DR

Bezalel Smotrich has publicly attacked Egypt, accusing it of bearing responsibility for the October 7 attacks and its border actions.

Key Points

  • The Israeli Finance Minister claimed in February 2024 that Egypt bears 'considerable responsibility' for the October 7 attack.

  • He has been cited as advocating for the expansion of settlements, a move condemned by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry as a violation of international law.

  • Egypt condemned his remarks regarding Palestinian starvation as 'disgraceful and unacceptable in both form and content' in August 2024.

Summary

Bezalel Smotrich's position concerning Egypt is primarily characterized by sharp criticism and the assignment of blame regarding the October 7 events and the situation in Gaza. The Israeli Finance Minister claimed Cairo holds considerable responsibility for the Hamas attack, alleging that much of the group's armament passes through Egypt. These accusations prompted a strong condemnation from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, which described the remarks as disgraceful, irresponsible, and an attempt to justify Israel's own shortcomings.

Furthermore, his broader ideological stance, which has included mapping a 'Greater Israel' encompassing parts of Jordan and a general denial of Palestinian nationhood, is viewed by Egypt and other Arab states as undermining the basis for regional stability and peace. Egypt has consistently reacted negatively to such statements, viewing them as inflammatory and obstructive to containment efforts for the Gaza crisis, while reiterating its role as a key mediator in the conflict.

Key Quotes

...which claimed there is a moral justification for starving Palestinian civilians in Gaza,”

Frequently Asked Questions

Bezalel Smotrich has positioned Egypt as complicit in the October 7 attacks, asserting that Cairo shares considerable responsibility for the events. This accusation led to official condemnation from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, which called his statements disgraceful. His views generally reflect a hardline Israeli stance that clashes with Egypt's role as a mediator.

The available information primarily highlights strong, negative statements from Smotrich regarding Egypt's role in the conflict, particularly after October 7, 2023. His position on the need to secure Israeli sovereignty in disputed territories, which challenges the context of the peace treaty with Egypt, appears consistent with his broader ideology.

He publicly claimed that Egypt holds significant responsibility for the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. Smotrich further alleged that a large portion of Hamas’s weaponry passes through Egyptian territory. These comments provoked a formal rebuke from Egypt's Foreign Ministry.