Tough new stance?

NYT:

President Obama’s new formulation on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — along with his tough new stance against Israeli settlements in the West Bank — has rekindled fears among a few American Jewish organizations that Mr. Obama may be fundamentally less pro-Israeli than his predecessors.

As far as I can tell, there is no tough new stance. Back when Condi was 'running' US diplomacy, she was always careful to describe new settlement building as 'unhelpful' in her sternest schoolmarm way, but of course did nothing. Obama will doubtless proclaim them unhelpful, too.

So, if Israel expands the settlements, and Obama does nothing, what has changed?

And what will, what can he do? Very little, as so far he has shown no inclination to defy the powers that be. I'm ready, willing and able to be surprised.