Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman visited the Hizme crossing checkpoint just north of Jerusalem this morning (Sunday) to investigate the difficulties that Jewish and Palestinian commuters face in getting through the crossing, and to review options for relieving these difficulties.
This visit is part of a comprehensive tour Liberman is conducting to acquaint himself with transportation issues in the exits from Jerusalem, especially in the north of the city.
The Defense Minister was joined in the visit by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Yesha Council and Binyamin Regional Council chairman Avi Roeh, Jerusalem City Council member Moshe Leon, and Border Police and IDF officials.
Minister Liberman heard their reports and said: "The problems with the Hizme and Kalandia crossings make life difficult for Jerusalem and Binyamin region residents as well as the Palestinians living in the area. There are clear, managerial, and infrastructural solutions, but for a long time the right things just haven't been done.
"I've come here with the relevant officials to make sure things get done quickly and efficiently and the problems are solved," Liberman declared, and outlined his further plans for expediting the process.
"I will also meet with the Transportation and Public Security Ministers to coordinate all efforts to make people's lives easier. Everyone suffers to the same degree here, Jews and Palestinians alike, and this state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue. We have to do what is necessary to solve the checkpoint problem to improve matters for everybody."