“My Government will work for peace in the Middle East.”
The UK Government’s policy towards Israel and the Palestinians is focused on making a two-state solution a reality. We judge that the best way to do this is by maintaining a constructive relationship with all parties who have expressed a desire to make peace, including both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We also welcome the approach adopted by the Obama Administration, which has made reinvigorating the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) a priority and appointed Senator Mitchell as a Special Envoy.
Actions by both Israelis and Palestinians have contributed to the crisis that has characterised their relationship in recent years. We are friends of both the Israelis and the Palestinians, and we believe that this close relationship gives us the opportunity to talk openly and frankly to both sides to encourage them towards peace. In the case of Israel, we believe that we can exert greater influence as a friend - emphasising that we are committed to Israel’s long-term security but also engaging in frank and often critical conversation. Both Israel and the Palestinians are subject to International Law and we remind them of this regularly.
With the support of our international allies, we will continue to pursue vigorously a comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, involving a viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security. This should be based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the shared capital for both states and a just solution for refugees.
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