Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the Israeli authorities to encourage them to (a) condemn acts of violence and extremism in the West Bank, (b) prevent settler violence, (c) ensure accountability for perpetrators of such violence and (d) condemn extremist rhetoric.

The UK's position on settlements is clear and longstanding. They are illegal under international law and contrary to the cause of peace. Reports of Palestinian civilians being murdered by settlers in Occupied Palestinian Territories are appalling. We welcome statements, including that made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, condemning settler violence. But we have been clear that Israel must do more to prevent escalation in the West Bank, and that we must see tangible action to bring perpetrators to justice. The Prime Minister raised the issue of settler violence with Prime Minister Netanyahu in their recent call.