Jewish families move to Arab area of east Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Jewish families moved into an Arab neighborhood of east Jerusalem earlier this week, a relocation seen as a provocation of their Palestinian neighbors.

The 17 new residents of the Silwan neighborhood indicate that about 500 Jews, protected by security guards, are now in the community of about 50,000 Palestinians. Right-wing Jews -- eager to reinforce Israel's claim on all of Jerusalem despite the Palestinian Authority maintaining the city is the capital of Palestine -- are eagerly purchasing property in Silwan, to be occupied by Jewish residents.

The action was criticized by Palestinians, who believe such surreptitious moves maneuver around their internationally-favored attempt to build an independent state in the West Bank, including Silwan resident Salem Shiyuchi.

"It can't work. A government that serves them, the settlers, and tramples on us."

Israel President Reuven Rivlin was also critical, saying, "It is our right to insist on building around Jerusalem, but it is our obligation to make sure that the decision is made by the authorities. Our capital city cannot be built by stealth apartments in the dead of night."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Jewish families can live wherever they choose.