What Israel Is Banking On

When Israel's recent hint that it would freeze West Bank settlements, followed by the more recent approval of some previously approved residences, is followed by a real freeze (whew!), the U.S. is reportedly finally coming with the goods from the Arab side:

[Obama Middle East envoy George] Mitchell is expected to convey “gestures of normalisation” from a number of moderate Arab states in recognition of Israel’s settlement freeze. These could include the reopening of interest offices and some trade and tourism ties.