Israel and the New Settlements

Much has been made in the last week or so about the new 3,500 homes that has been approved by the Israeli government between Ma'aleh Adumim and Jerusalem. Of course, the Palestinians screamed that this was in violation of the roadmap (of course, they haven't disarmed any terrorists just yet), and that was echoed in Europe, and even Condoleeza Rice expressed her disappointment.

But, here's a good article explaining the reality of these homes. A contiguous Palestinian state is not threatened at all - since these homes will be built in areas that are understood by all sides to stay Israeli.

In previous negotiations, the Palestinians have agreed that some of the large settlement blocks straddling the green line will remain Israeli; and that Israel will compensate the Palestinians with other equivalent land. Thus, these new homes are not the huge threat to peace they've been made out to be.