Israeli settlement proposal demands ‘robust’ response, says minister

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Ireland will “press for a stronger” international response against Israel, the Foreign Affairs Minister said, following the publication of a tender to construct 1,200 housing units in Palestine.

Minister Helen McEntee has criticised the Israeli government for publishing the tender as part of the E1 settlement project in the West Bank.

In a statement on Friday, McEntee said the project poses a “fundamental threat” to a contiguous Palestinian state and, ultimately, a two-state solution.

She said all Israeli settlements in Palestine are illegal under international law and urged Israel’s government to “immediately rescind this tender” and end “all illegal settlement activity”.

McEntee said: “Recent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages and communities, in some cases alongside Israeli Defence Forces, are utterly indefensible.

The EU must be prepared to respond decisively to actions that violate international law and further erode the prospects for peace

“They form part of an alarming and escalating pattern of violence by extremist settlers that is terrorising Palestinian communities. There must be accountability for these actions.

“This violence is taking place against the wider backdrop of ever-increasing illegal settlement construction and growing restrictions on the daily lives of Palestinians across the West Bank.

“As the occupying power, Israel has a duty to protect the Palestinian population under its control.”

McEntee also called on Israel to remove restrictions on the finances of the Palestinian Authority and release withheld tax clearance revenues.

She said: “The publication of this tender demands a clear and robust response.

“Ireland has taken action at domestic level and will continue to press for a stronger and more co-ordinated response from the European Union and the wider international community.

“The EU must be prepared to respond decisively to actions that violate international law and further erode the prospects for peace.

“Ireland will continue to advocate for meaningful international action and for a peaceful, secure and prosperous future for Palestinians, Israelis and the wider Middle East.”