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IDF to screen Palestinians entering Route 443

Army prepares for implementation of court order to allow Palestinian traffic on highway

The security establishment is preparing for the implementation of the High Court ruling that permits Palestinians to use Route 443 by the end of May.

 

On Thursday evening, the IDF revealed how the decision will be implemented.

 

In the framework of the security preparations, officials decided that entry and exit to the highway will be allowed in the area of Beit Sira and Beit Ur al-Fouka, west of Ramallah, subject to security checks. Exit will also be possible in the area of Hirbat al-Masbah and A-Tira, located west of Ramallah as well.

 

Overall, Palestinians will be able to travel on a stretch of road that is 17-kilometers long. Officials have not yet decided how the IDF and Border Guard will divide responsibility for checks between them. In any case, a crossing will be established near the Ofer base to enable Palestinian traffic and checks of all vehicles.

 

Military sources noted that mass movement of Palestinian traffic is unlikely since many will prefer to avoid the security checks and take alternative routes. However, the IDF is preparing for any eventuality and at least during the first weeks security forces will deploy in force in a bid to prevent terror attacks.

 

Rightist Knesset members have been protesting the High Court's ruling to allow Palestinian traffic on Route 443, arguing that the move will put Israeli lives at risk.

 

On Sunday, head of the Givat Ze'ev local council Yossi Avrahami told Ynet that he intends to petition the High Court Sunday over the army's preparations for opening the highway.

 

"There is indeed security screening along sections of the road, yet as far as we understand, the moment there is a large mass of vehicles we will see problems both in terms of traffic congestion and mostly in terms of terror risks," he said.

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.25.10, 22:50
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