Israel Beefs Up Jerusalem Police to Avert Arab Riots

Hundreds of Israeli police reinforcements moved into Jerusalem as Arabs and soldiers fought with stones and tear gas after Friday Muslim prayers, a weekly ritual in the occupied lands since riots began Dec. 9.

No deaths or serious injuries were reported during clashes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which Israel has occupied since capturing them from Jordan and Egypt in the 1967 Middle East War. At least 55 Palestinians have been killed in the 10 weeks of violence, according to U.N. figures.

Police spokesman Avi Zelba said that the reinforcements were being brought to Arab East Jerusalem from all over Israel, and that their specific activities would depend on developments.

1,400 Police Reinforcements

He would not provide numbers, but Israel Radio said 1,500 new officers were being moved into the Holy City to supplement its normal force of about 1,000. It said the first 600 were deployed Friday around Temple Mount, where protests have occurred outside the Al Aqsa and Dome of the Rock mosques.

The operation is expected to last three or four weeks, with large numbers of police on duty round the clock to keep demonstrations from being organized.

Police Commissioner David Krauss said one reason for strengthening the force is to head off anti-Israeli demonstrations when Secretary of State George P. Shultz visits next week.

Shultz will meet with Israeli leaders to discuss new U.S. peace proposals.

Refuse to Meet With Shultz

Several Palestinian leaders have said they would not meet Shultz without prior, public approval from the Palestine Liberation Organization.

“Because of the strong anti-Shultz and anti-American feeling in the occupied territories right now, such a meeting could endanger the lives of the people participating,” one leading Palestinian said.

A secret Palestinian committee said to be organizing the anti-Israel demonstrations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip called Friday for a week of demonstrations and general strikes to protest the visit by Shultz, who is to arrive Thursday.

Security forces were evident but discreet around Al Aqsa, with sharpshooters posted at high points and soldiers watching the broad, open area. Non-Muslims were prevented from entering.

There was no violence outside the mosque after prayers.

Zelba, the police spokesman, dismissed fears that increased police presence could be seen as provocative and increase friction.

‘Means Law and Order’

“When you see a policeman, it means law and order,” he said. “We are not talking about soldiers. Police are responsible for peace and order.”

In Nablus, 40 miles north of Jerusalem, reporters saw boys building street barricades while men were praying at An Nasser mosque. A protest involving hundreds of people began immediately after prayers and lasted about two hours.

The crowd began moving toward soldiers at the gates of the old city, throwing stones, bricks and bottles. Troopers responded with tear gas and chased young Arabs through the narrow streets.