But in a comment reflecting the deep tensions underlying the apparent tranquility here, he added: “If the Jews get out of here, so much the better.”
How Hebron’s 130,000 Arabs and 500 Jewish residents will coexist after Israeli troops redeploy from most of this West Bank town is not clear. The question of coexistence is particularly acute in the Jewish Quarter, where some 30,000 Palestinians live, and where Israeli security forces will retain control.
“My residence lies within the Palestinian Authority territory,” said Mohammed Karam, “but my shop will be under Jewish control.”
Karam wondered whether he would need a visa to get to his shop in the market in the Jewish Quarter. He will not, but he may have to pass through a security checkpoint or two.
Many Palestinians and Jews alike seemed resigned to the inevitability of a Hebron accord, but they fear that the new arrangements will not work because they doubt coexistence is possible.
“There is no coexistence with people like Rabbi Moshe Levinger,” said Jamal Abu-Rayan, an Arab market vendor, referring to a founder of the current Jewish community in Hebron.
The Jewish residents, who re-established the historic Jewish community here shortly after the 1967 Six Day War, are no less adamant.
On Betar House, dominating the Jewish Quarter of Hebron, a huge sign states: “This market was built on Jewish property, stolen by Arabs, after the 1929 massacre.”
Warnings of a renewed confrontation are not difficult to find.
“If things deteriorate into a new war, it will not be our fault,” said Noam Arnon, a spokesman for Jewish residents in Hebron. “It will be because of the terrorists who are out to get us.”
Terrorists, he said, are not necessarily members of Hamas or Islamic Jihad, but rather the armed Palestinian police officers who will be deployed in the town once the agreement goes into effect.
Levinger himself prefers to keep quiet these days.
“I have retired,” he said. “There are others who should do the talking.”
But the controversial rabbi who settled in Hebron about 29 years ago voiced confidence that the Jewish community would persevere. “Even if there are obstacles, in the long run we shall win the day.”
The threat of violence is ever-present.
Palestinian and Jewish extremists alike have sought to jeopardize the Hebron agreement.
Two weeks ago, an Israeli soldier opened fire in the market, wounding seven Palestinians. Firebombs have been thrown by Arabs at Jewish targets.
Meanwhile, the most recent newcomers to Hebron — foreign journalists — seemed eager this week to see an agreement concluded.
Two months ago, the major American television networks rented rooftops near the Jewish Quarter for some $2,000 to $3,000 per month in order to be well-positioned when a redeployment is implemented.
Their crews and other journalists have remained in Hebron around the clock, as expectations rose on an almost weekly basis for more than three months that a signing ceremony was imminent.
“Our office is considering opening a regular office in Hebron, so that our stay here will be permanent,” said Awwad Awwad, a cameraman for Agence France-Presse. Even after the accord’s signing, he added, “the situation on the ground will be difficult, very difficult.”