Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Everything that can be done is being done with the military command. The Deputy and his party have advocated for the breaking off of diplomatic relations with Israel. In the context of Lebanon and the security of our Defence Forces personnel, we need to retain diplomatic relations with Israel. We need diplomatic channels open. All we have been doing for the past four weeks is maintaining those diplomatic channels and talking to all interested parties that could have influence on all those involved to reduce the potential for an intensification of hostilities and all-out war between Lebanon and Israel.

I have spoken to the Iranian foreign minister as well and appealed to him to use any influence the Iranian Government may have with Hezbollah and Hamas to avoid an escalation in Lebanon. I have acted likewise with the Israeli Government. Diplomatic channels must be kept open. I am at a loss as to why that point does not seem to be understood.

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