They will also demand the closing of a new entrance to a tourist tunnel near Muslim shrines in Jerusalem, whose opening triggered the latest violence. Israel insists it won't pull out of Hebron until the Palestinians agree to better protect the city's 450 Jewish settlers, who live amid 94,000 Palestinians. It will also demand that the Palestinian police who take over Hebron carry pistols, not automatic rifles, army radio reported Saturday. The Palestinians have put their stone-throwing war against the Israelis on hold pending the talks. Palestinian spokesmen have warned that if they fail, more violence could break out.
Israeli officials say they are taking the warning seriously.
Israel has withdrawn some tanks from hills overlooking West Bank towns, but has not moved them far. A Jewish extremist assassinated Yitzhak Rabin last November. Talks were to open Sunday at the Erez Checkpoint on the Israel-Gaza border between Israel's former military chief Dan Shomron and Arafat aide Saeb Erakat. U.S. Ambassador Dennis Ross will attend. Christopher arrives in Israel on Sunday and will not take part in the talks, but will meet with Netanyahu and Arafat.