The weekly protests in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheik Jarrah have become a rallying point for Israel's embattled doves, drawing several hundred people. Protesters now want to hold a much larger demonstration opposite the disputed homes.

Police have resisted, saying the gathering could endanger public order.

Israeli Chief Justice Dorit Beinisch rejected that contention in a hearing Thursday, saying police must allow 300 protesters to march to the homes. She criticized the police, saying allowing protests is part of their job.

AP