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SIRAH SHAH: In Hebron, the old order was already making way for the new. For Mr. Netanyahu's government it was a watershed, the first time his Likud administration had ceded land for peace. The Israeli prime minister faced anger from within his own cabinet at the accord. At least seven right wingers had already said they'd vote against the deal.  The commitment for further West Bank withdrawals is particularly sensitive but today a senior adviser to Mr. Netanyahu insisted there was enough flexibility in the agreement's wording to allow Israel to hold onto half of the West Bank, if necessary. The deal was made in the early hours of the morning after weeks of negotiation. It will, however, be seen as a sellout for many of the people who voted for Mr. Netanyahu in last May's elections. Ironically, it's now the support of the labor opposition which ensures its survival in parliament.
SPOKESMAN: I believe that from today on it's a different Likud, it's a different government. It is committed now to the Oslo process which will begin, and I believe that we might find ourselves in a new phase whereby the rightist government will go according to our game plan.
SIRAH SHAH: There was welcome too from the United States, which has acted as broker. It hopes the agreement will spark a revival of the wider peace process, including talks with Syria.
PRESIDENT CLINTON: This achievement brings to a successful conclusion the talks that were launched in Washington last September, and it brings us another step closer to a lasting, secure Middle East peace. Once again, the Israelis and the Palestinians have shown they can resolve their differences and help to build a brighter future for their children by finding ways to address each other's concerns.
SIRAH SHAH: Under the deal Israel must pull out of four-fifths of Hebron within 10 days. Mr. Arafat has gained a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal from West Bank rural areas which must be completed by mid 1998, but the Palestinian Authority will not control Israeli settlements and military areas. This could be a loophole. Within two months Israel and the Palestinians will begin talks on the final peace agreement to define their borders and the future of Jerusalem. Angry settlers today besieged a cabinet minister visiting Hebron. They feel betrayed.
SPOKESMAN: We are very concerned from bringing in the PLO troops into the city which will bring only suffering and bloodshed.
SIRAH SHAH: And the Islamic resistance movement, Hamas, which opposes the Oslo peace agreement, also issued a statement rejecting this accord. The Israeli army tonight said it would not begin to redeploy until after tomorrow's Knesset vote. With so much potential for violent opposition, however, it's likely to be hoping for a quick, clean getaway.
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