Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide's comments on Israeli settlements

The Government considers the settlements to be in contravention of international law and an obstacle to a negotiated two-state solution. 

The main objective of our long-term engagement in the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians is to contribute to a negotiated two-state solution with two states existing side by side in peace and security within secure and internationally recognised borders. Only a negotiated two-state solution will create lasting, sustainable peace.

The statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the settlements on the West Bank are not inconsistent with international law will not bring us any closer to a political solution to the conflict, and could make the peace efforts even more difficult.