Israel allows settlers back in controversial West Bank buildings

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday the government will allow the Jewish settlers evicted from two seized buildings in the West Bank's Hebron to return once the proper paperwork is completed.

The Ministry of Defense ordered Friday to evict dozens of settlers from the controversial houses, a day after the settlers took over the houses, which are located near a flashpoint site holy to both Muslims and Jews.

"The government supports the settlements," Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting, adding that "at the same time, we are a lawful country and must respect the rule of the law."

"The moment that the purchase process is approved, we will allow the population of the two houses in Hebron to return," he said.

The examination of the purchase will begin today and "we will do it quickly," Netanyahu said.

His statement came following a political strife caused by the eviction, with pro-settler lawmakers condemning the act and far-right ministers threatening to topple Netanyahu's narrow coalition.

The buildings are located in the heart of Hebron, near a major holy site known to Muslims as the Sanctuary of Abraham and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs.

The settlers claim they bought the buildings legally while the Palestinians charged they were illegally stolen.

The takeover triggered clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces. Tear gas fired by Israeli troops reportedly hurt several Palestinians.

Israel occupied the West Bank during the 1967 Mideast War and has been controlling it ever since in a move condemned by the international community. The settlements are illegal under international law. Endit