The Government has called on the new Israeli prime minister to engage in negotiations with Palestinian leaders to secure a peace deal for the Middle East.
While the final result of the Israeli elections is not known, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has claimed victory for his Kadima party, which looks certain to be the largest party in the next Knesset.
Mr Olmert has already ruled out any negotiations with Hamas, who swept to power in the recent Palestinian elections. The incoming Hamas-led Palestinian government has stated its opposition to peace with Israel and it has refused to recognise it as a state.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said it was vital that whatever administration Mr Olmert forms, it must be firmly committed to the negotiation of a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Middle East conflict.
"Only a solution which involves the creation of two viable states, living together in peace and security, can provide hope for a better future for the Israeli and the Palestinian people," Mr Ahern said in a statement today.
He said the Roadmap devised by the International Quartet remains the only viable option for peace.
He promised that the Government would continue to give "strong and tangible support to Israeli and Palestinian political leaders who demonstrate the courage to take the difficult decisions required for a negotiated settlement."