Top German diplomat criticizes Israeli policy

Ahead of a visit by Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany's foreign minister Frank Walter Steinmeier on Monday heaped tough criticism on Israeli settlement policy in the West Bank, calling the construction "disruptive" to peace efforts and saying it would be raised during two days of meetings with Israeli leaders.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier made the blunt remarks in Madrid before flying to Israel, where Merkel was to arrive late Monday with almost all of her Cabinet.

US-mediated peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians will be a main focus in meetings, and German opposition to settlement construction will be raised, Steinmeier said in a statement.

"We'll discuss where things stand on the peace process and will try to find out what the obstacles are that prevent a solution," he said.

"The settlement policy clearly remains among those obstacles and this will of course be raised.

We said clearly in the past that we don't just consider decisions to expand settlements as unhelpful, but as disruptive of peace efforts, and of course we will discuss this during our visit," he said.

Tensions have been on the rise lately between Israel and Europe, and also with Germany, over settlement policies.

Israel says the fate of settlements should be resolved through the peace talks along with other core issues like security and incitement in Palestinian media.

Merkel is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday evening. A joint Cabinet meeting is scheduled Tuesday.