During the EP plenary session (21-24/11) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the situation in the West Bank, including settlements. Statements by Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC, Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO), Victor BOSTINARU (S&amp;D, RO), Martina ANDERSON (GUE/NGL, UK), Margrete AUKEN (Greens/EFA, DK).&nbsp;

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - Israel (T)

EU - Palestine (T)

ANDERSON, Martina (GUE/NGL, UK)

PREDA, Cristian Dan (EPP, RO)

MOGHERINI, Federica (IT, EC)

BOŞTINARU, Victor (S&D, RO)

AUKEN, Margrete (Greens/EFA, DK)

Situation in the West Bank, including settlements: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC,  Stopping the expansion of settlements is an integral part of the effort to keep the solution of two viable and contiguous states on the table. The so-called regulation bill which passed a preliminary reading in the Knesset would allow for the ex-post legalisation of Israeli outpost in the occupied West Bank. It would enable essentially the confiscation of private property right of Palestinian land owners in the West Bank for the benefit of settlers. This would mean crossing a new threshold even under Israeli law for the settlement enterprise in the West Bank. It would also mean the exact opposite of what the Quartet has called for, namely preserving the two states solution.

SOUNDBITE (English), Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC,  The debate on the regularisation bill is controversial inside the Israeli leadership and inside the Israeli society. And the process is still open. The Israeli attorney general himself has been very explicit that this bill is unconstitutional under Israeli law, against previous rulings by Israel Supreme Court and in breach of international law. A final decision has not been taken yet, and I hope that the Israeli government and legislators will do the right thing.

SOUNDBITE (English), Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC, Our regional partners can also play a major role in promoting and supporting a solution. The Arab Initiative in particular with its vision for a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace remains a key basis and offers significant opportunities, including with regard to regional security that I believe would be extremely beneficial for Israel itself.

SOUNDBITE (French), Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO),  In the context that we find in the Middle East now, there is very little sense to discussing the situation in the West Bank, including settlements, cut off from the rest, given the multiple facets of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. If our objective is to make a progress towards peace I don&rsquo;t think this debate is very useful if we focus only on that question. Furthermore, this is reflected on the report by the Quartet from July which identifies as an obstacle not only the colonies but also the continuation of violence, terrorism and the incitement of violence and the lack of unity on the Palestinian side on this matter, as well as the tense situation in Gaza. We should consider all of this as a whole, as these are obstacles to peace.

SOUNDBITE (English), Victor BO&#350;TINARU (S&amp;D, RO),  Since we embarked one year ago on an unsuccessful structural dialogue with Israel, demolitions were on the rise and new settlements were decided. It is important to stop this trend, not only because this is a loss of European tax payers&rsquo; money, but because we have to stop further displacement of Palestinian families living in this area, and to ensure that European aid is given effectively to the ones in need. There is no doubt that Israel has the obligation to respect international humanitarian law, and to stop the expansion of settlements in this area, and beyond. Israel is our partner in one of the most important and most insecure regions on Earth. One of the few reliable partners in the Middle-East under turmoil, but Israel has to assume its responsibility for its actions.

SOUNDBITE (English), Martina ANDERSON (GUE/NGL, UK),  There are now eight hundred thousand Israeli settlers living illegally on occupied Palestinian land within the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, some settlers involved in violence have citizenship in Member States, and they are violating international humanitarian law. Israel has been warned that demolition and settlement constructions harmed EU-Israeli relations, but where is the action? The EU must do more than do hollow threats, like a toothless tiger, Israel must be put under actual pressure, not just words; the EU-Israeli relation must be made conditional on respect for and compliance with international law, the EU must suspend the EU-Israeli association agreement until Israel dismantles the illegal settlements and ends the occupation of Palestine, and begins a genuine peace process for a lasting peace and a sustainable two states solution.

SOUNDBITE (English), Margrete AUKEN (Greens/EFA, DK), You told us six month ago that you would take measures to claim compensation or restitution for EU projects demolished by Israel in the West Bank. Demolitions have continued, yes they have increased dramatically. And yet, you have failed to take any action. What prevents you from subtracting for instance the equivalent of the demolition from bilateral Commission programmes with Israel, such as horizon 2020?