Statement by Jean Asselborn on the formation of a new government in Israel

"I fully support the statement issued yesterday by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on the formation of a new government in Israel. This statement reflects the strong agreement among Member States on the EU's responsibility in advancing the Middle East Peace Process, as well as in upholding international law and the international rules-based order.

I welcome the fact that 25 EU Member States supported this statement, which is the result of an initiative I took with my Irish colleague Simon Coveney on 12 May. I strongly regret that due to the opposition of only two Member States, we were unable to adopt this balanced statement as an EU-declaration at 27 on such a crucial topic for the credibility of the common foreign and security policy of the European Union."

Israel: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the formation of a new government

The European Union congratulates the new government in Israel. Israel is a key partner for the European Union. We look forward to continuing working with the Israeli government in a constructive and comprehensive way, in the spirit of the longstanding friendship that binds us to Israel, in order to develop our relationship in all areas, in particular in matters such as COVID-19, education, research and development and any other area of mutual interest.

With regard to the Middle East Peace Process, the EU is willing to support and facilitate resumed meaningful negotiations between the two parties, to resolve all final status issues and achieve a just and lasting peace. We stand ready to engage immediately with the new government and with all relevant stakeholders.

International law is a fundamental pillar of the international rules-based order. In this respect, the EU and its Member States recall that they will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed by Israelis and Palestinians. The two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the future capital for both States, is the only way to ensure sustainable peace and stability in the region.

In this vein, we note with grave concern the provision – to be submitted for approval by the Israeli cabinet – on the annexation of parts of occupied Palestinian territories, as stated by the Prime Minister when presenting his government to the Knesset on 17 May and as envisaged in the coalition agreement signed earlier. We strongly urge Israel to refrain from any unilateral decision that would lead to the annexation of any occupied Palestinian territory and would be, as such, contrary to International Law.

https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/79576/israel-statement-high-representative-josep-borrell-formation-new-government_en

 

Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

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