Mr Netanyahu must know that his resistance to extending the freeze has a symbolic as well as actual importance. If he does not have the political strength to face down the settlers and his coalition's right wing by halting building in settlements – all illegal under almost all interpretations of international law, including Britain's – then it calls into question whether he could ever reach the agreements on Jerusalem, borders and refugees necessary for a deal. And if his reluctance is a matter not of political weakness but of inclination, then it calls into question his sincerity about wanting a deal at all.