Atop a steep hill, Hussein al-Araj, Hebron's governor, works in his new office, dedicated in November, which was built with money from the Malaysian government. He said he worries the inclusion of Abraham's tomb on a list of Israeli national heritage sites could transform a political conflict into a religious one, and he predicted the spat will make it harder for Abbas to resume peace talks with Israel. The Palestinian cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, held a meeting at Araj's office Monday to send a message to the world that Hebron is a Palestinian city, Araj said.

For now, he said, Palestinian control of the city is limited to the 20 or 30 square kilometers of H1, where Israel still carries out what Araj said are daily incursions.

Which is it, 20 or 30 square kilometers?

Araj put on his glasses, reached into his desk and pulled out a laminated map of the area that he obtained last week from the Israeli army.

One day they say this is H1, he said, running his finger over the map. The other day they say that. This is why I cannot say exactly.