The debate over recognising an independent Palestine illustrates at least two things.
Firstly, the events of the summer, notably the tragedy and horrors of Gaza, have reminded MPs of the centrality of the Middle East Peace process after recent years when attention has been directed elsewhere.
Secondly, sympathy for the Palestinian cause in Parliament and an unease with Israel's position has grown.
None of this should come as a surprise. In all the years I have been a Conservative Friend of Israel, I have never known such a hesitation over actions of an Israeli government.
That we all stand full-square behind those Israelis subject to terrorist attacks can continue to be taken as read. No prime minister could have been more supportive and out front in Israel's support as David Cameron.
But this support is predicated on Israel's efforts to pursue its declared aim of a two-state solution, and an end, from all sides, to the root causes of this dispute. I'm not sure that Parliament sees this evidence.
The conduct of the Gaza operation had unjustifiable elements, and the subsequent settlement announcements were counter-productive for Israel's friends.
Actually, let's be honest, they are a kick in the teeth for a government which has loyally supported Israel despite serious misgivings about settlement policy.
Ultimately, a settled peace is more important than a symbolic debate. The good news is that, perhaps because the precipice has been peered over again, there seems to be progress. Gaza succeeded, unsurprisingly, in bringing Palestinians closer together, and its "unity" government seems to be gaining traction with a listening Israel and is in encouraging, if early, negotiations.
Neither Israel nor the Palestinians should see the debate in the Commons as anything other than an urging to settle their matter, so that the lives lost over the Gaza conflict might be the last.
Alistair Burt is a Conservative MP and a former minister at the Foreign Office