merrion street

Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney T.D. on settlement announcements in the West Bank

"I condemn the decision by Israeli authorities to open a tender for construction of a new settlement of over 1,200 housing units in Givat Hamatos in occupied East Jerusalem.

Senior officials in my Department met the Israeli Ambassador today to underline Ireland’s serious concerns at the expansion of settlements in this strategically sensitive area between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. 

This announcement by Israel undermines the viability and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State and the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution in line with the internationally agreed parameters with Jerusalem as the future capital of two states.  

Settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory is clearly illegal under international law.  This action erodes trust and confidence between the parties, which is critical for the resumption of meaningful negotiations.  We are again at a very sensitive time, when maximum restraint must be shown by all sides.  I call upon the Israeli government to reverse this decision and to halt all settlement construction.”