The Israel Defense Forces have begun leveling 100 dirt roadblocks in Judea and Samaria. The removal of the roadblocks will make it easier for local Arabs from rural areas to reach the central roads.
The decision to remove the roadblocks was made in the IDF's Central Command following a situation assessment and as part of the implementation of a plan to make life easier for the Arabs in the area. The plan was authorized by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi.
Soldiers oversee removal of roadblock / Israel news photo: Flash 90
The process of removing the dirt obstacles will take several days and is expected to be completed next week before Eid El-Fitr, the Muslim day which marks the end of the Ramadan fast month.
The IDF said that the removal of roadblocks is a continuation of the economic improvement in Judea and Samaria, but also takes into consideration the “operational flexibility” of the IDF and security forces.
The move is seen as an attempt by the Netanyahu government to show the Obama administration that Israel is willing to accommodate the “Palestinians” in matters that do not involve a construction freeze.
"The IDF will continue to act, in coordination with the political tier and pursuant upon a situation assessment, to ease the lives of the Palestinian populace in Judea and Samaria while guarding Israeli citizens' security and fighting the terror groups stubbornly,” the military announced.