One is compelled to question the PA (Palestinian Authority) definition of ‘dual existence’ for as long as an Israeli enters an autonomous area, under exclusive PA rule, one takes one’s life in one’s hands.

This was the case once again on the night of 3 Kislev (Monday to Tuesday), when a vehicle snuck into the city to visit Kever Yosef while an organized visit was taking place in coordination with the IDF. The visitors having IDF approval were in armored buses.

The car, carrying Breslov Chassidim, decided to visit on their own, without coordinating with the IDF and adhering to regulations prohibiting Israelis from entering the city on their own.

To their dismay, after exiting their vehicle, PA residents stole it and set it ablaze. They were stranded and in a perilous situation and Baruch Hashem they had the presence of mind to phone for assistance and B’chasdei Hashem they were extricated by IDF soldiers, unharmed.

It is added that in line with the Oslo Agreements, Israelis are supposed to enjoy regular and unimpeded access to Kever Yosef, but in reality, visits to the site require armored buses and a formidable presence of IDF soldiers and border police to ensure the safety of the group.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)