Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the formation of the new Government of the State of Israel

The Secretary-General welcomes the formation of a new Government in Israel and looks forward to working with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the full range of peace and security issues in the region. This includes the resumption of the Middle East peace process, with the aim of achieving an independent and viable Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace with a secure Israel, and a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace as envisaged in Security Council resolutions.

The Secretary-General also wishes to underscore his desire for close cooperation and dialogue with the new Government to advance the work of the United Nations.