Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
54. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs 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 continued annexation of Palestinian land by Israeli settlers and the treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39898/23]
View answerI had an open and frank exchange of views with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during my recent visit to Israel. In addition to issues relating to the the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, our discussions covered regional issues and bilateral relations.
I raised a number of the Government’s concerns, which are also widely shared by this House. In particular, I underlined Ireland’s deep concern at the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, increased settler violence, terror attacks perpetrated against Israeli and Palestinian civilians, and the absence of meaningful political dialogue. These are issues that I also raised in my discussions with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and the Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer.
The public commentary from Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Cohen echoed the perspectives they shared during our meetings, reiterating known Israeli positions, calling for “a balanced approach toward the conflict with the Palestinians” and that Israel “will not accept external dictates”. In this regard, I underlined that Ireland’s approach is grounded in respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law, and that the fundamentals of our position are based on internationally agreed parameters and successive UN resolutions.
My programme in Israel also afforded me the opportunity to speak directly with civil society and academic audiences, including an address to the Israel Council on Foreign Relations. 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.
