Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept that the two-state solution is now dead. That would be an extraordinarily negative message to send to Palestinians and Israelis for that matter, many of whom I have spoken to. Many Israelis want a lasting peaceful solution and are committed to a two-state solution.

The actions of the Israeli Government, especially in the context of settlements, the expansion of settlements and increasing the settler population in the West Bank, are certainly difficult to see as compatible with a willingness to negotiate a viable two-state solution that works for Palestinians as well. I have made that clear and the European Union has made it clear too. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Mogherini, made it clear this week that EU countries would not recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and would not move their embassies following the lead of the US.

Let us talk about the facts and look to try to calm issues rather than inflame them.

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