Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have no role whatsoever in deciding the names of Israel Defense Forces operations, inappropriate as they are, but we can take very clear positions and we have done as a Government. As the Deputy said, the Tánaiste has resolutely condemned the announcement by the Israeli Government that another 6,000 housing units will be built on the West Bank on occupied land, and I echo that condemnation. Our position on settlement activity is crystal clear. Settlements are a clear violation of international law. They stand in the way of a just and lasting peace and, indeed, in many cases, aim to make it impossible by changing facts on the ground. We are, therefore, deeply concerned about the stated intentions of the Israeli Government to continue to show disregard for the clear international consensus around this issue. We urge Israel to reverse these decisions and immediately cease all settlement activity across the occupied Palestinian territory. We condemn resolutely the violence by the Israel Defense Forces against Palestinians in Jenin. We also condemn attacks on Israeli civilians, such as those that occurred in Tel Aviv, or the drones and rockets being launched from Palestinian territory into Israel.

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