The IDF, acting under orders from Defense Minister Ehud Barak, has removed another 10 roadblocks in the area of Hevron and the southern Hevron Hills. More than 100 barriers and checkpoints have been removed throughout Judea and Samaria over the past several months following pressure from American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Jewish residents of the areas have complained that removing travel restrictions for local Arabs also increases the risk of terrorist attacks, including rock throwing that is aimed at causing fatal traffic accidents.
 
"The removal of the road blocks was decided upon following security assessments by the IDF Central Command," army spokesmen said.