1.   In another development, an Israeli organization that monitors human rights in the occupied territories called on the government to evacuate the settlers from Hebron.

2.   Security forces were on high alert in Jerusalem and throughout Palestinian areas, but there was no indication whether the government intended to try to evacuate the settlers.

3.   Army sources said the settlers would be evacuated from the hill on Friday.

4.   Israeli news reports quoted Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat as saying that Israel might have to evacuate Jewish settlers from Hebron if it cannot provide appropriate security.

5.   Police gathered in the area Wednesday evening to evacuate the settlers from the hill.

6.   Soldiers and police posted at the site made no moves to evacuate the settlers.

7.   The army declared the hill a closed military zone, but did not immediately move to evacuate the settlers.

8.   The Palestinians officially want the settlers evacuated, although some Palestinian leaders have suggested that some Jews could apply for residency.

9.   Thirty-one percent said the government should evacuate the settlers.

10.   Israel is ready to withdraw gradually from all West Bank towns except Hebron, where it refuses to evacuate the settlers.