That is, for any stumbling, faltering half-step forward in the current peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, several sizable leaps back.

Yesterday’s agreement by Israel to press ahead with 50 new residential units in the already contested Adam settlement in the West Bank flies in the face of compromise and commitment to the peace talks.

Surrounded by three Palestinian villages, the settlement will be boosted by the relocation of 300 residents from Migron, itself built on private Palestinian land.

According to the Defense Ministry the 50 units are but the beginning; a further 1,400 units are planned.

In 2005 the settlement held 2,500 residents; upon completion it will doubtless dwarf the surrounding villages.

By now it is becoming tedious; as both parties go through the motions of peace talks, all conclusions are destine to be still-born due to ongoing actions such as these.

The peace negotiations are mere expostulations of hot air by leaders; meanwhile, civilians on both sides continue to suffer the repercussions of the frustrations and despondency of each other.