Additional roadblocks removed in the Palestinian territories

Yesterday, June 2, 2009, the Rimonim and Bir Zeit roadblocks located in the Binyamin region, near Ramallah, were removed. This step was taken following a meeting held the day before between the GOC Central Command, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, the Head of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brig. Gen. Noam Tibon, the Head of the Civil Administration, Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, and the Head of the Palestinian Security Forces in charge of civilian affairs in the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria, Hassin el-Sheik.

During the meeting, at which the senior officers discussed various security and civilian related issues, it was decided, in accordance with decisions made by the Israeli government, to take various steps which would significantly improve the daily life of Palestinian civilians in the Judea and Samaria region. A number of security coordination meetings have taken place this year, resulting in a range of steps designed to extend Palestinian free movement, to strengthen the Palestinian Security Forces and the Palestinian economy.

The Rimonim roadblock, located east of Ramallah was completely removed yesterday, allowing free passage from the city to the Jordan Valley area. The Bir Zeit roadblock, located north of Ramallah, was also removed yesterday, now allowing quick passage from the city to the villages to the north.

Furthermore, Azira A-Shamalia, a central checkpoint located near Nablus, will now operate 24 hours a day, easing movement in the area.

These steps were taken to extend the free movement of the Palestinian population and are in addition to the 145 roadblocks which were removed in the past year.

During the meeting, it was also decided to finalize the process granting Palestinian businessmen permits to pass through Israeli crossings into Israel. This will allow the businessmen and public figures who play an important role in the Palestinian economy greater freedom to conduct their business. These permits will be granted in accordance with authorization by the Civil Administration.