Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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19. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the situation between Iran and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40571/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Iran has twice attacked Israel directly this year. The first of these, in April, brought the region to the brink of a wider war. On that occasion, both sides de-escalated. After the second Iranian missile attack on 1 October, which involved up to 200 missiles fired at Israel, the risk of regional escalation and conflict is again very real.

I have strongly condemned these attacks on Israel. I have also repeatedly stressed that a pattern of attack and reprisal by any actor in the Middle East risks spiraling into a regional conflict, which would be disastrous for the peoples of the region.

I have consistently called for all parties in the region, including Iran and Israel, to exercise restraint and for all who have influence to use this positively, to diffuse tensions. I include in this call the influence Iran exercises over its proxies in the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. I have made this position clear in public statements, including at the United Nations, and in direct contacts with regional leaders.

Ultimately, we need to see a political process to resolve the conflicts in the Middle East that will address the security of countries in the region.