Jewish Settlers Hold Their Ground In East Jerusalem Crisis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday failed to defuse a crisis sparked by the takeover of two East Jerusalem buildings by Jewish settlers, and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat warned of a “very negative reaction” if the settlers are not removed soon.

Underlining the potential for violence, scuffles broke out late Wednesday between heavily armed police and scores of angry Palestinians just yards from the settlers’ barricaded compound. Five Palestinians were reported hurt and four others arrested, along with two right-wing Israelis.

The growing crisis has split Netanyahu’s governing coalition, with some members urging him to order the settlers forcibly removed from the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al Amud and others all but threatening to bolt the government if he does. Aides say the politically explosive situation with the Palestinians will not allow him to leave the three families of settlers where they are.

“We would like to avoid a confrontation that would result in their eviction by force,” said David Bar-Illan, a spokesman for Netanyahu. “But they are not going to be allowed to stay as tenants in that place. That’s clear.”

Backed by dozens of conservative supporters, the 11 settlers so far have refused to leave. Their American landlord, Miami millionaire Irving oskowitz, asked the Israeli Supreme Court on Wednesday to bar police from evicting them. The court is expected to rule on the request today.

The crisis has left Netanyahu squeezed between competing pressures. Within hours of the settlers’ Sunday night arrival, the prime minister denounced their move. But their continuing presence in Ras al Amud, along with reports in the Israeli media that Netanyahu knew of their intentions before they moved in, have fueled Palestinian outrage and suspicions.

Bar-Illan confirmed Wednesday that Internal Security Minister Avigdor Kahalani told a Sept. 5 Cabinet meeting that Jewish settlers might try to move into buildings in Ras al Amud. The meeting was held the day after a three bombers killed themselves and five Israelis in downtown Jerusalem, and hours after a failed commando raid left 12 Israeli soldiers dead in southern Lebanon. Bar-Illan said Netanyahu “was not aware” of the political and security implications of the Ras al Amud report.