Continuing his policy of acquiescing to American demands to ease restrictions on PA (Palestinian Authority) residents, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the opening of roads in the Benjamin Regional Council district of Shomron, roads that have been closed off for years. The roadways near Ras Karkar and the village of Ein Yabroud have been opened despite strong objections from yishuv leaders.
 
The opening of the vehicular routes permits free travel east and west of Ramallah. Ironically, the road in the past was closed to Jewish motorists, compelling residents of the Talmonim area to circumvent the area by traveling miles out of their way. Protests by area Jewish residents fell on deaf ears as the defense establishment continues opening roadways and lifting checkpoints and roadblocks towards reducing restrictions for PA motorists.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)