The Good News

Well I'll be. Ha'aretz is reporting that Israel will agree to some form of a settlement freeze. A lot of people were worried that this had become a white whale for the Obama administration, and would have gummed up peace negotiations indefinitely. Now it looks like their hard work and bold stance may have paid off.

I am guessing, incidentally, that the actual agreement between Israel and the United States will be slightly more complicated, and probably not perfect in every respect. To use that imperfection as an excuse to not reciprocate would be a dreadful mistake. Obviously, we have to see if this report shakes out first. But if it does, then I think it has to be recognized as a huge step in the right direction, and our next step must be measured accordingly.