Americans for Peace Now urged the Obama administration not to squander what it said was an opportunity to advance the peace process, saying any new government should be judged by its actions and not by the positions of its component parties.

Despite Netanyahu's rhetoric, the facts on the ground - illegal outposts, failure to abide by court rulings, unfettered settler activity- make peace a distant dream.

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As much as it is about divine intervention, miracle, and faith in God, the story of Passover is about leadership and courage.

For the Sea of Reeds to miraculously part, one of the Israelites had to take the first step in. That person, according to tradition, was Nachshon. He dived into the spray without assurance that the sea would split. He knew that if the sea didn't recede, he would drown, and that turning back would mean certain death for him and his fellow Israelites at the hands of Pharaoh's advancing army.

Only days before President Peres was to meet with President Obama in Washington, Israel made a significant announcement about increased housing construction in settlements. See excerpts and links to the following articles:

NY Times: "On Eve of Meeting in Washington, Israel Announces More Housing Construction"
Jerusalem Post: "Jerusalem committee advances plan for Gilo housing"
Jerusalem Post: "Barak approves master plans for 4 settlements"
YNET: "Settlers angry expansion plans don't include Itamar"
AFP: "East Jerusalem settlement set to grow: Peace Now"