Rice criticises Israel over settlement programme

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice criticised Israeli settlement activity in exceptionally harsh language yesterday, saying new construction projects on disputed land has a “negative effect” on Mideast peace talks.

Rice made the comments during her latest attempt to prod Israelis and Palestinians toward a final peace deal by the end of the year, a goal she said is ambitious but within reach.

After a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Rice said the US remains committed to the target date. But she said Israeli plans to build thousands of homes in the West Bank and east Jerusalem raises questions about Israel’s motives and harms the atmosphere of good faith for talks.