Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the comments made by Senator Devine in respect of the serious situation regarding the possible announcement today that the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has decided to relocate that country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and to declare that city the capital of Israel, which is in total contravention of all agreements and previous UN declarations.I have visited Jerusalem, a city that is shared by Jews, Catholics, Coptic Christians and Muslims - everyone. It is an international city. There is no logic to the decision by President Trump to relocate the embassy from Tel Aviv, which is accepted as the capital of Israel, to Jerusalem. It seems that the Americans will be looking for a site in east or west Jerusalem. The situation is inflammatory. I do not think the US realises what will happen in this regard. The proposed move will inflame the whole Middle East. All the adjoining countries are opposed to it. The Palestinians are treated so badly in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli settlements are being built. It is so inflammatory at the moment. I support the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade's statement today expressing his concern. He has contacted the US Embassy in Dublin. The more people who contact the embassy, the better to try to persuade the US President not to proceed with the decision to relocate the his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. I do not know if he realises the consequences of his actions but I have no doubt that they will be serious and that the decision will cause further conflict. All parties in Ireland support the two-state solution, with the Israelis and Palestinians respecting each other and eventually coming to some settlement. However, what is proposed will drive the process relating to reaching a settlement off the rails completely and lead to conflict in the region.