Israeli minister criticises settlement policy, right wing groups

Israeli Finance Minister Yair Lapid called Friday on supporters of settlment policy and right wing parties to accept the two-state solution in order to end the conflict with the Palestinians.In a statement cited by the Israeli radio, Lapid criticized the Israeli announcement of building 1,400 housing units in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, noting that such policy adopted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "wrong and only satisfies the right wing groups." The minister stressed that "right-wing forces must recognize the ongoing peace process with the Palestinians." Lapid warned that "the world is losing patience with Israel's policies." The Israeli minister cautioned "if this policy continues the damage will eventually reach all of us," in reference to economic damage caused by the settlement policy.