Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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560. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the recent killing of civilians by the Israeli Defence Forces, if he will re-examine Ireland's role in pursuing an arms embargo against Israel. [36451/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The recent upsurge of violence in and around Jerusalem has led to the killing of civilians on both sides. I have deplored this and urged responsible leaders to work to calm the situation.

In the longer term, I have expressed before my concern at the growing use of force by Israeli forces in policing non-life threatening situations in the occupied territory, which has led to a steady toll of fatalities. While acknowledging serious security issues facing Israel, I repeat here my view that the same rules, protections and thresholds should apply to use of force against Palestinians under Israeli control as apply to Israeli citizens.

This will continue to be the focus of my efforts on this issue. It is quite clear that there would be no support at EU level for a general arms embargo on Israel.