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

I hope my position on this issue has been very consistent. We have and continue to advocate for a two-state solution on the basis of a negotiation where equality of esteem between both sides is respected. That certainly has not been the case in recent years.

I continue to be outspoken on the illegality of settlements in occupied territory and their expansion, the forced removal of Palestinians from their homes and the demolition of buildings. Of course, I also defend Israel's right to defend itself. We need to ensure, however, that if there is there is going to be a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, it must be based on a political negotiation. I do not believe that anything except a two-state solution is a viable long-term solution in that context. The policy of continuing to aggressively expand settlements, particularly in the West Bank and in parts of East Jerusalem, is making that two-state solution more remote as a possibility in the context of the negotiations that are needed. I hope Ireland will be able to build a coalition of countries that can intervene in an appropriate way here, first and foremost, to stop the violence.

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