A group of 39 lawmakers, comprising almost one-third of the Members of Knesset, has co-sponsored a law designed to solve the crisis caused by the High Court's decision allowing cars to enter Route 443 from Palestinian Authority-controlled areas.
That court decision caused dismay among Israelis who were concerned that it could lead to a resumption of terror attacks by Arabs on the road, which connects Modiin with Jerusalem and which has been the scene of fatal shooting attacks in the past.
Detouring the Court
The bill, which was initiated by MK Yariv Levin (Likud), stipulates that IDF orders regulating road traffic would be placed under the supervision of the Knesset's Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee. A subcommittee of the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee would monitor and approve orders regarding road traffic issued by the IDF commanders in Judea and Samaria. By placing the matter under parliamentary supervision, the law would effectively take it out of the hands of the High Court.
The bill was signed by all of the Knesset Members of the Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu, Shas, United Torah Judaism and the Jewish Home who are not ministers or assistant ministers, and also by some MKs from opposition factions Kadima and National Union. It was prepared in coordination with the heads of local authorities that adjoin Route 443, and received their support.
MK Levin said: "The bill represents a rare unanimity of opinions, that crosses camps and parties in the Knesset, regarding the need for a proper solution to the matter of Route 443 and security on the roads. The proposed law would give the security establishment tools for securing the safety of the people traveling on the roads, and give the Knesset the necessary means of supervising the orders that are issued by the military commanders. This bill would ensure that citizens driving on Route 443 and other roads will not turn into sitting ducks in the terror organizations' firing range.”