Chris,

I also have strong ties to Israel (half my family live there) and also think Kerry's timing was ridiculous. I do not see what he achieves by bringing these issues forward in this way at this time.

Unfortunately, he does have a point.  If the continued growth of the Settlements makes a two state solution impossible, Netanyahu and his pro-Settler colleagues may well have signed Israel's death warrant.  

There is no good one-state solution.  

If Israel annexes the West Bank, will it give the 2.5 million Palestinians who live there Citizenship and freedom of movement?
       
If it does, how long will Israel retain its Jewish character?

If it does not, how will it justify its refusal - to the US (which bankrolls the Israeli military) and to ordinary Israelis - whose sons and daughters risk their lives every day protecting the Settlers?