Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Prime Minister has spoken to Prime Minister-designate of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, about the UK’s position regarding any recognition of illegal West Bank settlements; and in particular, any retroactive legalisation of such settlements, including the Homesh Yeshiva.

We congratulate Benjamin Netanyahu on his election victory. As one of Israel's closest partners, the UK looks forward to working with Israel to ensure our relationship continues to flourish. We are clear that settlements are illegal under international law and threaten the viability of a two-state solution. The UK urges the Government of Israel to permanently end its settlement expansion and settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Israeli outposts in the West Bank are also illegal under international and Israeli law, and should be removed entirely.