The governing infrastructure that the PA has built up for itself in East Jerusalem is the basis for the demand the PA Chairman Yasser Arafat is now making in the talks with Israel to get real authority in East Jerusalem. Intelligence estimates are that the approaching negotiations on Jerusalem will be accompanied by serious Intifada incidents within the city, as a mans of pressure to obtain concessions. They participated in the recent violent outbreaks in the territories, and in one way or another the security organizations and the diplomatic institutions operating in the city on behalf of the PA are also expected to take part. Israel, which for years has been trying to depict East Jerusalem as an integral part of the country, is now, after 33 years, discovering that in many senses the Arab areas of the city are being taken from its hands. Not all the residents of East Jerusalem are pleased with this emerging trend.
People have an eye on their own interests as well as on their principles.
It is too early to evaluate whether this interest is the beginning of a trend. It is clear, however, that the residents of East Jerusalem, who for years saw Israeli rule as permanent, are no longer sure of this.