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As adviser to Henry VIII, Sir Thomas More told the notorious monarch there was a big difference between what a king could do and what he ought to do. The Israeli prime minister could use such a wise adviser.

For while Benjamin Netanyahu certainly has the right to proceed with construction of 6,500 housing units on southeastern Jerusalem's Har Homa, it is a foolhardy move at this time — sure to provoke not only the furor of Palestinians and the surrounding Arab nations, but the antagonism of the world community.

In an effort to bolster Israel's security and maintain the support of the right wing, the Israeli prime minister has backed himself into a corner. Like a parent afraid of losing control, he is holding fast to a tough position on Har Homa — despite pleas by President Clinton and near-unanimous opposition in the United Nations.

Of course, Netanyahu can proceed with the construction of housing on the Jerusalem hill, which has been part of Israel since 1967. Three-quarters of the 463 acres expropriated by the Israel government for housing belonged to Jews. Only one-quarter belonged to Palestinians. But wouldn't it be better to build at Har Homa after arriving at a broader agreement with the Palestinians?

While Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has called the construction illegal, Netanyahu is certainly within his legal rights. But unlike past Labor and Likud leaders who believed such a move would provoke Palestinian rage and jeopardize peace, Netanyahu is determined to proceed — as he did with the equally incendiary move of opening the tunnel entrance on the side of the Temple Mount.

The prime minister's position, as expressed by aide Dore Gold, is to "protect Jerusalem from being redivided." Certainly, as Jews, we do not wish to see King David's city divided, and we support Netanyahu's desire to bolster Israel's security.

In addition, if Arafat fails to prevent the outbreak of new violence over Har Homa, the argument can be made that Israel is not responsible. But should violence erupt, Israel cannot claim total innocence.

In a highly explosive situation, it's dangerous to play with matches. Har Homa is a tinderbox. What Netanyahu should do is exercise restraint.