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

I thank the Deputy. It is unusual that it has taken this long to get to the Middle East peace process in foreign affairs questions. I am glad we have gotten there at nearly 12.30 a.m.

Israel's announcement on 13 August that it will suspend plans to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territory is, of course, welcome, although that proposal should never have been on the table in the first place as far as I am concerned. The EU High Representative, Vice President Josep Borrell, also welcomed the announcement on behalf of the EU in a declaration on 15 August. I have noted with concern, however, subsequent Israeli statements that annexation plans remain on the table and I have called for any such plans to be permanently withdrawn.

The unilateral annexation by Israel of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory would be a very clear violation of international law. It would have no legitimacy and would not be recognised or accepted by Ireland or by the international community, more generally, and would be deeply damaging to the potential for a two-state solution in the future. The programme for Government clearly states that the Government would regard any such moves as a breach of international law and would consider an appropriate response to them at both national and international level. I have been forthright in my public statements on the issue of annexation and have raised this matter directly and clearly with Israeli leaders, including during my visit to the region last December and in a telephone conversation with my Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi, in recent months. I participated in a discussion with Foreign Minister Ashkenazi along with my EU colleagues during an informal session of the Foreign Affairs Council on 27 August. The EU’s firm commitment to a two-state solution was restated together with our readiness to support all sides in efforts to resume meaningful negotiations. I have also outlined my concerns about annexation in discussions with the US interlocutors.

The Deputy raises the case of Beit Sahour. Annexation of this town would be a clear violation of international law, as would unilateral annexation of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Irish officials in Ramallah and in Tel Aviv have visited the Bethlehem region in recent months and will continue to monitor developments closely.

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