EU: Ties with Israel depend on its commitment to peace process

Ties between the European Union and Israel depend on the Israeli government's commitment to a two-state solution in the peace process with Palestinians, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said on Monday.

Asked to comment on Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu's preliminary coalition pact with the ultra-right Yisrael Beiteinu party, Solana told reporters.

"We will be ready to do business as usual, normally with a government in Israel that is prepared to continue talking and working for a two-state solution. If that is not the case, the situation would be different."

European Union officials have raised concerns over Netanyahu's commitment to pursuing genuine peace talks with Palestinians.

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said last month he was worried Netanyahu's talks with other right-wing parties to form a coalition could halt peace talks with Palestinians.

Czech Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra said he expects a rough start once a new Israeli government takes office, warning a two-state peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians was narrowing now that Netanyahu is likely to form a government.