A group of at least 15 settlers invadad an Arab village east Jerusalem early on Wednesday, occupying one Palestinian building and sparking clashes with local residents and Israeli forces, Haaretz and The AP reported.
The move came soon after Israeli troops said to dismantle the illegal outpost of "Hazon David" near the West Bank town of Hebron. Settlers vowed to rebuild the site, which consisted of a tent and a shack that served as a synagogue.
In east Jerusalem Wednesday morning, settlers lugged boxes, chairs, tables and potted plants into the newly renovated structure in Silwan, occupied by Israel in the 1967 war.
In protest, Palestinians who live nearby started throwing stones from rooftops. israeli police fired tear gas canisters at the Palestinian demonstrators. One Palestinian was beaten by a baton and dragged from the area.
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
