[Ha'aretz] Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff - The Israel Defense Forces have lifted some of the main roadblocks in the West Bank in recent weeks. Currently, there are only 10 manned roadblocks within the West Bank, down from 35 a year and a half ago. The roadblocks surrounding the city of Nablus have now all been lifted. Moreover, the defense establishment has allowed several hundred Palestinian businessmen free access to Israel. An Israeli security source said the improved security situation in the West Bank permitted the lifting of the roadblocks. "When there is law and order, [and] there are no armed [Palestinians] in the streets and efforts are made to prevent terrorism, then there is no need for roadblocks." The lifting of the roadblocks is being done with the authorization of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak, IDF Chief of Staff Ashkenazi and with the blessing of the Israel Security Agency.
2009-06-24 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive