Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

239. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will set out the matters raised by him, and the responses received, in his meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; if he specifically raised the topic of a permanent ceasefire and peaceful resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52895/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I did not meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when I visited Israel in mid November. I did however have an open and frank exchange of views with the Prime Minister during my visit to Israel in early September.

During that meeting, I raised a number of the Government’s concerns, underlining in particular Ireland’s deep concern at the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, the growth in settler violence, and the absence of meaningful political dialogue with the Palestinians. Our discussions also covered regional issues and bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated known Israeli positions, calling for “a balanced approach” toward the conflict. In this regard, I underlined that Ireland’s approach is grounded in respect for international law and that the fundamentals of our position are widely shared by the international community.

During the visit in September, I also met with Foreign Minister Cohen. In that meeting, I emphasised that, with political will, we can restore a pathway towards a just and lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people, based on a two-State solution in line with international law and internationally agreed parameters.

On my recent visit to the region in November, I met Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen and visited some of the communities in the south of Israel that had been affected by the brutal attack by Hamas on 7 October. I reiterated our unconditional condemnation of this attack and expressed my sympathies at the loss of life and deep impact on these communities. I also expressed my grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. I also met President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, during which I stressed the urgent need to dramatically increase the supply of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

240. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will list the occasions where he has met with or spoken to the Israeli Ambassador since he took office. [49271/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Engagement between my Department and the Ambassador of Israel to Ireland is routinely carried out at senior official level. Such engagement is frequent and particularly important in the context of the crisis that is currently unfolding in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

The current Ambassador of Israel to Ireland, Dana Erlich, presented her credentials on 20 September. In the immediate aftermath of the terror attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October, I spoke with Ambassador Erlich, underlining Ireland’s condemnation of the attack and expressing my condolences to the people of Israel, including the Israeli community based here in Ireland. I subsequently met with the Ambassador in the context of my meeting with families and representatives of the Israeli hostages, including the family of Emily Hand, on 14 November.

During my visit to Israel in early September, Dana Erlich, in her capacity as Ambassador-designate to Ireland, participated in several elements of the programme. In addition, as is standard for such visits, Ambassador Erlich also participated in the official programme during my visit to Israel in mid November.