7 February  2017

SG/SM/18429

Secretary-General ‘Deeply Regrets’ Adoption of ‘Regularization Bill’, Warning of Far-reaching Legal Consequences for Israel

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General deeply regrets the adoption of the so-called “Regularisation bill” on 6 February by the Knesset.  This bill is in contravention of international law and will have far-reaching legal consequences for Israel.  It reportedly provides immunity to settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank that were built on privately-owned Palestinian land.

The Secretary-General insists on the need to avoid any actions that would derail the two-State solution.  All core issues should be resolved between the parties through direct negotiations on the basis of relevant Security Council resolutions and mutual agreements.  The Âé¶¹APP stands ready to support this process.

For information media. Not an official record.