Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have held with the government of Israel regarding the threat made by the Israeli Minister of Finance to take control of Solomon's Pools in Area A of the West Bank.

We are concerned by increasing tensions and instability across the West Bank. The UK has consistently made clear to the Government of Israel that any unilateral attempt to alter the geographic or demographic make-up of Palestine is wholly unacceptable and would be inconsistent with international law. The UK remains firmly committed to a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a sovereign, viable and free Palestine. We continue to engage with Israeli counterparts on developments in the West Bank.