IDF forces in northwestern Samaria have a standing order: When Dr. Omar arrives at “his” gate, make sure to let him through quickly!
When IDF reserve forces arrive for duty in the northwestern Samaria, they are briefed on various aspects of their duties and the dangers and responsibilities they face. Some of the orders they are given deal with the IDF’s humanitarian responsibilities – and one in particular deals with one particular man: Dr. Omar.
Among the many gates and openings in the anti-terrorism partition fence/wall separating the Jewish and Arab-populated areas of the Samaria, it appears that one of them is used exclusively by one man. Soldiers do not generally man the gate, but when Dr. Omar arrives, the soldiers have orders to be there within 20 minutes to open it for him.
Soldiers currently on duty were told that because of various legal decisions, Dr. Omar is permitted to pass through the wall any time he wants – as he does so when he is on a medical mission.
The soldiers’ duties in the sector are security-related and aim, directly and indirectly, at protecting the civilian population from terrorists. The “20 minute” rule allows them time to decide which of them will to stop what they are doing to go to the gate and open it.
The Defense Ministry, which is responsible for the passages through the fence/wall, says the arrangement for Dr. Omar is part of Israel’s humanitarian responsibilities to the civilian population. In a response to the charges that soldiers were “threatened” with “trouble” if they did not open the gate on time, the Civil Administration said that those reports are exaggerated as the doctor does not “cause disturbances” in the event that he has to wait longer than expected.