(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)

Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians still are, as they have always been, the only way to solve the conflict between the two sides.

It's a short way between Ramallah and Jerusalem, and all the Palestinians should do is to return to the negotiating table without preconditions. Only thus, and not through seizing the Security Council, will it be possible to advance the peace process so as to benefit both parties and to serve  the cause of peace and security throughout the region.

Even as the Middle East is undergoing changes that carry historical meaning for the future of the whole region, it is indeed peculiar that the Security Council should choose to consider one single aspect out of the full range of core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, while ignoring the wider scope of events in our region.

Israel appreciates the American position, which contributes to the resumption of the diplomatic process, and regrets that the other Security Council members have refrained from making the same contribution.