IDF to raze 100 roadblocks across West Bank
Move part of effort to improve life for Palestinians; roadblocks were erected at start of second intifada.
By Anshel Pfeffer Tags: Israel news Palestinians West Bank IDFThe Israel Defense Forces began razing about 100 "dirt mound" roadblocks from the entrances to Palestinian villages across the West Bank on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing effort to improve life for Palestinians.
The roadblocks had been erected at the start of the second intifada, as Israel was struggling to defend itself against a wave of Palestinian suicide terror attacks.
They were placed in order to prevent Palestinians from traveling directly between villages; they were also erected along main roads in the West Bank, along which both Israelis and Palestinians traveled. As such, Palestinians were forced to take longer, indirect routes to reach their destinations.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak, gave the order to the GOC Central Command, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, to send troops to carry out the razing of the roadblocks.
The army wants to complete the removal of the roadblocks by next Friday, ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
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to the people of israel,courtesy of Bibi and Obama
"... as part of an ongoing effort to improve life for Palestinians." How magnanimous. The recycled leaders of the Zionist state are so morally bankrupt that they probably believe their own lies. It?s just another PR stunt after the release of the UN Gaza report.
This decision is a huge mistake on Israel's part. Roadblocks serve a critical purpose - to stop Palestinian terrorism and as we see it has served its purpose. So why on earth would Israel want to expose themselves to renewed terrorism and suicide bombings? If but one terrorist occurs after this ill-advised action by Israel is done, Israel must reinstate each and every roadblock.
As has been proven time and time again roadblocks save lives.
....say "well done", Israeli governement. Should that be a first signal for an (ideologi- cal) turn around in Israel, I would expect from the Palestinians to respond kindly.....
Good step but enough it must be followed by a change of attitude towards the Palestinian population real freedom of movement and freedom to trade with the external world.