A thaw in the freeze

In Washington yesterday, U.S. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli characterized a settlement freeze as only an ultimate goal.

Presumably when there isn't any space left.
This Ha'Aretz report contradicts the above.

Ereli said that the U.S. position on the settlements has not changed, and that settlement activity in the West Bank and Gaza Strip must stop.

However, looking at the press transcripts from the State Department , Mr Ereli said:

On the Israeli side, what we're looking for and what the parties -- and what the Israelis committed to was a dismantling of outposts and progress towards a settlement freeze.
We are currently involved in technical talks with the Government of Israel in an effort to clarify their intentions with respect to the settlements, and we will continue to work with the Government of Israel towards a settlement freeze as is called for in the roadmap.

Glad to have cleared that up then. A freeze but not just yet. Maybe some time soon.