But for militant settlers, that is a small comfort in what they view as a fundamental betrayal by the Government.

These positions are not so far apart as to exclude compromise, which is apparently what the militant settlers fear.

Many militant settlers in the outlying areas carry military rifles, and there have been clashes in the past.

Israeli policy has largely been shaped by the most militant settlers, Jews who occupy land they believed was deeded to them in the Bible.

A confrontation today with militant settlers in the divided city of Hebron, who have never sought or received broad public support, added to the tension.

Surrounded by 46,000 militant Jewish settlers, the Arabs became frightened and some resorted to violence.

It was the first significant involvement by militant settlers in the monthlong round of violence.

"You are not part of the community of Israel," he continued, addressing the most militant settlers.

Some of the measures and language used are unprecedented toward the militant settlers.

It is fair to say that the elections make the prospect of eventual statehood seem more realistic, a point not lost on militant right-wing Jewish settlers.