Settlers Exit Jerusalem Building

JERUSALEM — Ultra-nationalist Jewish settlers obeyed a court order today for most of their 150 members to leave a church-owned building in Jerusalem’s Christian quarter, but a defiant spokesman said they plan to buy more property in the Old City.

Shmuel Eviatar, spokesman for the settlers, said 20 residents will remain in the Greek Orthodox St. John’s Hospice as guards and maintenance staff under the terms of the order.

The Jewish occupation of the building around the corner from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on April 11 sparked battles in the streets and the Israeli courts for weeks.

“Honoring the court and the desire to fulfill not only the letter but also the spirit of the law have led us to retain only 20 tenants in the building, holding the keys,” Eviatar said.