Following the results of the national elections in Israel yesterday, the president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella MEP, commented:
“Israel has chosen. We take note of the outcome of the democratic elections and welcome the peaceful conduct of the process. We expect the next government to put an end to the destructive politics of internal fear and external confrontation, which has resulted in growing international isolation for Israel and in a vicious circle in the relationship with the Palestinian authorities. The endless spiral of violence must stop. The electoral campaign has finished and now it is time for Israel to fulfill its international obligations concerning peace talks and settlements. It must put in place a genuine confidence-building approach towards the Palestinians, capable of transcending extremism on both sides. The new government should not discard this path.
“Our goal remains: two peoples and a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
“We want also to congratulate Labour Party chairman Isaac Herzog on the performance of the Zionist Union in the elections - a result of a courageous and honest electoral campaign. The S&D Group will continue to give its full support to the Israeli Labour Party in its efforts to create prosperity, social justice, respect for minority rights and peace with the country's neighbours, in and for Israel.”
S&D Group vice-president Victor Boştinaru MEP added:
“Israeli citizens have exercised their democratic rights and voted yesterday to elect their representatives in the Knesset. I will start by congratulating Isaac Herzog and the centre-left list for a good result, for a fair and honest campaign and for their brave commitment to relaunching the peace process.
“The S&D Group remains committed to further enhancing its collaboration with the Labour Party and I repeat our previous invitation for them to come to Brussels and sign our co-operation agreement.
“The S&D Group supports the relaunching of the peace process and believes in a two-state solution. This should be a priority for any future Israeli government and it is the only solution for ensuring the security and prosperity of Israeli and Palestinian citizens. Any further development will directly impact on relations between the EU and Israel.
“I trust that the EU, the European Parliament and the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini, will stand by all those who are committed to finding a peaceful solution to this long-standing conflict.”
