Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., February 13, 2008 Adar1 7, 5768 | | Israel Time: 10:42 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

IDF troops manning the Qalandia checkpoint on the outskirts of Ramallah. (AP Archives) Last update - 14:06 12/02/2008 Top reservists: Roadblocks in W. Bank do more harm than good By Akiva Eldar, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: IDF, Israel, West Bank  A group of top Israel Defense Forces reserve officers are set to unveil Wednesday a new position paper according to which the 550 roadblocks in the West Bank serve to increase the motivation to commit terror attacks, and removing a significant portion of them would help calm the security situation and undermine Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip. Former MI heads, Civil Administration heads, and commanders of divisions, brigades and regiments operating in the West Bank and Gaza, said in the paper addressed to Defense Minister Ehud Barak that even though roadblocks prevent terror attacks in the short term, they induce frustration and infringe on basic human rights of Palestinians, thereby fueling terror in the long term. The signatories will take part in a conference in Jerusalem's Van Leer Institute on Wednesday, and outline an alternative plan to the current web of roadblocks, which is based on a more flexible deployment of forces and pinpointed intelligence. Advertisement The officers say that in parallel to an increased use of temporary roadblocks, Israel should advance the construction of the separation fence and instruct the IDF to work in closer cooperation with the Palestinian security forces. Following his promise to the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas last summer to reduce the number of roadblocks, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert appointed Defense Minister Ehud Barak to review the issue of mobility in the West Bank, but the revision is still underway. Last August it was reported that Barak had asked the security establishment to "consider new operational paths," and that he "gives it time to conform to the new policy." The paper passes harsh judgment on the IDF's roadblock policy, which it says does not distinguish between terrorists and civilians. The desire to prevent terror at any cost, combined with a lack of specific real-time intelligence, affects a large proportion of Palestinians, it is argued. The writers also say that the political strata are aware of the strategic damage this policy invites, but are refrain from disputing it for fear of being perceived as promoting a lenient position on terror. Related articles: Barak: West Bank roadblocks are effective, will remain in place Barak to propose: Replace W. Bank roadblocks with mobile checkpoints Balad MK blames Barak for death of Palestinian at roadblock Bookmark to del.icio.us   Gore wins TAU prize Al Gore and Amos OZ are among the recipients of the 2008 Dan David Prize. Spring roll strike Asian eateries across Israel cut menu over plans to rid kitchens of foreign chefs.   1.   Who is bad and who is worse than the other 12:08  |  Khalil Ishabib 12/02/08   2.   Do not fight with one hand chained behind your back. 12:41  |  Malka Ziv 12/02/08   3.   ex-generals 13:38  |  eddie 12/02/08   4.   Gonna be a short "position paper", that one... 13:56  |  Johnboy 12/02/08   5.   #1, Khalil 14:13  |  Mike 12/02/08   6.   Motivation comes from PA Media 14:47  |  Suleiman 12/02/08   7.   Who cares what they think? 15:01  |  Ex-idf 12/02/08   8.   Roadblocks are not there for security reasons 15:25  |  Chanalau, Tova 12/02/08   9.   100 (hundred) ex-generals once signed a tribute to Arafat 16:08  |  Absolute Sweden 12/02/08   10.   No Palestinians NO terror NO roadblocks,no frustration 16:26  |  sam 12/02/08   11.   They are right 16:39  |  Mark B. 12/02/08   12.   no rest for the wicked. true, individual 16:41  |  bozhidar balkas 12/02/08   13.   Gaza proves them wrong 16:56  |  Gili 12/02/08   14.   to Mark B 17:04  |  Harry 12/02/08   15.   Misleading report ... again 17:34  |  Gilad 12/02/08   16.   Harry, read first before you answer and do not twist words 17:41  |  Mark B. 12/02/08   17.   ...affects a large proportion of Palestinians 17:55  |  Natallie Durson 12/02/08   18.   Mark B #11 18:01  |  Gilad 12/02/08   19.   If what they say is true then why when roadblocks were removed 18:01  |  Genuine Tosefta 12/02/08   20.   Reservists and Military Policy 18:13  |  Garry 12/02/08   21.   have all roadblocks proven themselves? 18:54  |  Gilad 12/02/08   22.   Akiva Eldar.... Top reservists 19:30  |  moshe Israel 12/02/08   23.   Good Idea 19:39  |  Mark Lincoln 12/02/08   24.   Sam on No Palestinians etc. 21:16  |  Palestinian Brit 12/02/08   25.   Get rid of roadblocks--checkpoints as well.... 10:16  |  Silvienne 13/02/08

Today Online PM: Major progress possible on borders of Palestinian state Responses: 47 Barak says ministerial calls for action in Gaza are 'dangerous' Responses: 16 Amira Hass: Gazans wonder what's new about Israel wiping out neighborhoods Send response Haaretz.com TV: Teen recalls Qassam attack in which his brother lost a leg Responses: 3 Rosner's Domain Guest: Why does Obama think talking to "Hitler" can succeed? Obama is gaining momentum - also among Jews Democratic policy unity is a mirage (WTR) Poll: Is it legitimate to cut electricity to Gaza? Factor: How's McCain better than Obama More Headlines 10:42 Aliyah envoy arrested over fake conversions 10:38 Olmert: Significant progress possible on borders of Palestinian state 07:47 Dov Alfon named as new Haaretz editor-in-chief 07:23 Barak says ministerial calls for action in Gaza are 'dangerous' 08:21 City manager insists gov't delaying Jewish housing in E. J'lem 05:16 Fatah undergoing major democratic reform to compete with Hamas, Fayyad 09:53 Oscar-tipped Jewish filmmakers seal deal on bestseller screen adaptation 08:35 Obama wins three primaries, takes Democratic delegate lead 08:01 Explosion kills one, destroys car in Damascus neighborhood 08:51 Argentine Jews mourn car crash death of prominent rabbi, aged 37 02:50 Senior Shas officials: Rabbi Yosef not ready to quit coalition 09:49 Aides: Katsav should break gag order in sex crimes plea bargain 19:03 Peres: If we're fired upon, we must hit back without hesitation Previous Editions Select Day 12 feb 11 feb 10 feb 08 feb 07 feb 06 feb 05 feb 04 feb 03 feb 01 feb 31 jan 30 jan

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