IDF checkpoint
IDF checkpointIsrael News photo: (Flash 90)

The IDF removed two security checkpoints near Kalkilya in western Shomron (Samaria) as part of a plan for easing security measures in Judea and Samaria, out of concern that they cause the Arab population to suffer.

 The IDF said that it would remove the 422 roadblock east of Kalkilya. Free flow of Arab traffic will now be allowed from Kalkilya and villages to the east of it. In addition, the IDF is removing the Hableh checkpoint south of Kalkilya, enabling Arabs to drive between Kalkilya and villages to the south of it.

IDF checkpoint, Hevron (Flash 90)

The decision to open the checkpoints was made “after assessments by Central Command and as part of the implementation of the plan for ‘relief measures’ that was authorized by the political tier,” the IDF said. The removal of the checkpoints comes after the removal about 140 roadblocks over the past year, in order to broaden the freedom of movement of the civilian Palestinian population in Judea and Samaria,” the IDF added.



Head of Central Command, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, and Civil Authority Chief Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai, met Monday with the heads of the PA’s security and civilian apparatuses and informed them of a series of relief measures, including the removal of two roadblocks in Binyamin: Rimonim, east of Ramallah, and Bir Zeit, between Ramallah and villages to its north.

In addition, the Asira a-Shimaliya control point will be open 24 hours a day, thus easing the lives of residents of Shechem.

PA businessmen will also be permitted to pass through Israeli crossings.