In a New York Times interview Finance Minister (Yesh Atid) Yair Lapid stated he does not feel there should be any change in the current policy of accommodating natural growth regarding construction throughout Yehuda and Shomron. The minister added he has no plans of curtailing financial incentives for persons to move to yishuvim.

Lapid explained he does not feel this would be a prerequisite to renewed diplomatic talks between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority). The senior minister also expressed his opposition to any portion of Yerushalayim serving as the capital of a future State of Palestine.

Lapid stated areas of the capital which were liberated in the June 1967 Six Day War must remain under exclusive Israeli control. He feels the two-state solution process is a critical one, yet Lapid is skeptical regarding efforts to reach agreement with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).

Lapid is quoted using the word “heartbreaking” in regard to the need to eventually uproot residents of “remote settlements” sometime in the future.

Regarding Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and peace efforts with the PA, Lapid added the prime minister is “more willing” and “more prepared than people tend to think” regarding peace with the PA.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)