Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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201. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken at European Union level to raise his concern at recent pronouncements by the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, that a two state solution will not occur under his premiership; the Government’s position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15262/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question 154 on 25 March 2015, which was as follows: “The comments of Prime Minister Netanyahu before the recent election, in relation to the two state solution, were both disappointing and unwelcome. Such statements are particularly regrettable in the tense and inflammatory situation in the Middle East. We know from our own peace process how words of supposed comfort to one side can have disproportionately negative impacts on the other side. I note that Mr. Netanyahu subsequently stated that his remarks meant only that conditions at present are not conducive to the achievement of a two state solution.

For its part, the international community has quickly reaffirmed its conviction that the two state solution remains the only viable basis for a resolution of the conflict. High Representative Mogherini on behalf of the EU, President Obama, and others, have made that point directly to Mr. Netanyahu in the course of conversations following the election.

What is most important is how the new government in Israel, which we expect Mr. Netanyahu to form, actually acts and what is set out in its Programme for Government.

The Irish Government remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. All of our actions and policies at EU and international level are designed to advance the goal of peace and secure a comprehensive peace agreement at the earliest opportunity.”