Jews Occupy Arab Neighborhood Group Of Extremist Settlers Sets Up Housekeeping In East Jerusalem

Jewish extremists hooked up rooftop surveillance cameras Monday in an Arab neighborhood they had moved into under the cover of darkness, staking a claim on a part of Jerusalem the Palestinians want for a future capital.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu awaited word Monday from Israel’s attorney general on whether he can evict the settlers, who occupied two buildings on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives. But he warned it would be difficult to take any action against them.

Less than 24 hours after entering the Ras al-Amud neighborhood, home to 11,000 Palestinians, the 11 settlers prepared for a long stay, bringing in pots of steaming food and covering floors with mattresses. Dozens of troops were posted nearby to protect them.

Outside the compound, Israeli peace activists and Palestinian residents set up a tent covered with placards that read: “Kick the settlers out of Ras al-Amud.”

The settlers’ action threatens to trigger new confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians at a time when both sides are trying to restore trust following last week’s visit by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

“It comes at a time when the last thing we need is another crisis,” Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi said. “We feel the extremists once again are trying not just to put obstacles in the path of peace but also to ignite a powder keg.”

Ras al-Amud is in a part of east Jerusalem claimed by Palestinians as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

The settlers’ supporters, including Cabinet hawk Ariel Sharon, said a Jewish bridgehead there would break up the continuity of Arab neighborhoods.

Located just outside the walls of the Old City, Ras al-Amud offers a panoramic view of the gold-topped Dome of the Rock Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest shrines.

The settlers leased the buildings from Irving Moskowitz, a Miami bingo millionaire who owns 3-1/2 acres in Ras al-Amud and hopes eventually to build a Jewish neighborhood of 50 apartments there.

Moskowitz, who came to Jerusalem for the settlers’ move, refused to speak to reporters Monday.