Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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746. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the political developments in Israel following the recent general election; his further views on the impact of the election results on the prospects for the recognition of the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11950/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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While the outcome of the Israeli election contradicted pre-election polls and predictions, the balance of the new Knesset is very similar to the outgoing one. There has been a good deal of redistribution of seats between the parties, but the overall numbers on the left and the right have remained almost the same. The election does not therefore seem to mark any radical political change.

The new Israeli Government has not yet been formed, although the strong expectation is of a renewed conservative coalition under Prime Minister Netanyahu. It is too early to speculate on what that government might do, or what effects this might have.

While some statements made during the campaign were certainly unhelpful, we must pay closest attention to what the incoming Government actually does.

Reaction to the outcome of the election confirms that the international community remains firmly convinced that the two state solution remains the only basis for a lasting resolution of the conflict.