The site, known as Joseph`s Tomb, has been the site of some violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in the past several days. The tomb is a holy site to both the Jews and Muslims.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak ordered the evacuation, in what he said was a temporary measure. It was the first time Palestinian violence prompted Israel to relinquish territory. After more than a week of clashes that have left nearly 70 people dead, Israeli security forces were bracing on Saturday for more violence throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
On Friday, a Palestinian Violence also broke out at the bitterly contested east Jerusalem shrine at the center of the latest round of conflict -- and at the heart of the problems stalling the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
More than 70 people have died and 1,900 wounded -- mostly Palestinians -- in the bloody conflicts, which began eight days ago with a visit to the shrine by a controversial Israeli opposition leader. Bureau Report