For some further, on-the-ground background on the settlements questions, take a few minutes and read this dispatch by Gershom Gorenberg, reporting from the West Bank for The American Prospect. It sheds a lot of light on what this whole controversy is about and what a scam the 'natural growth' argument is.

He also finds Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) making some shamefully stupid comments.

If you're not familiar with Gorenberg, you should check out Accidental Empire, his history of the birth of the settlements. He blogs here.

Late Update: Also see this editorial in The Forward.