Joe Flaherty
Question:19. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the situation between Iran and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40571/24]
View answerThursday, 10 October 2024
Questions (19)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, Iran has twice attacked Israel directly this year. The first of these, in April, brought the region to the brink of a wider war. On that occasion, both sides de-escalated. After the second Iranian missile attack on 1 October, which involved up to 200 missiles fired at Israel, the risk of regional escalation and conflict is again very real.
I have strongly condemned these attacks on Israel. I have also repeatedly stressed that a pattern of attack and reprisal by any actor in the Middle East risks spiraling into a regional conflict, which would be disastrous for the peoples of the region.
I have consistently called for all parties in the region, including Iran and Israel, to exercise restraint and for all who have influence to use this positively, to diffuse tensions. I include in this call the influence Iran exercises over its proxies in the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. I have made this position clear in public statements, including at the United Nations, and in direct contacts with regional leaders.
Ultimately, we need to see a political process to resolve the conflicts in the Middle East that will address the security of countries in the region.