The High Court of Justice decision on Monday ordering the IDF to open Highway 443 to PA (Palestinian Authority) motorists within five months has sparked outrage and concern among municipal leaders, residents and bereaved families, whose loved one were murdered in attacks on that very same highway.

The court responded to the petition filed by ACRI (Association for Civil Rights in Israel) on behalf of PA villagers living in communities along the highway, stating the decision by the IDF central district commander to ban PA motorists from the roadway exceeded his authority. The court also stated the decision was contrary to international law, permitting the IDF a five-month interim period to arrange for appropriate security arrangements for Israeli motorists.

The roadway was closed to Arab motorists by the senior IDF commander in 2002 following a number of terror attacks.

Likud MK Yariv Levin, a resident of Modi’in and therefore one of the regular motorists who use the highway, was outraged by the court’s decision. He equates the court’s ruling with placing weapons in the hands of terrorists. He reminds the court that as a result of attacks, fatal attacks, the decision to bar the PA motorists were made.

“It is unacceptable that two justices, as honorable as they may be, circumvent the Shin Bet and the IDF, once again awarding terrorists with a prize, which will result in motorists becoming ducks on a shooting range”. (The third justice on the panel, Edmond Levy, voted against permitting Arab motorists).

Ichud HaLeumi opposition party MK Uri Ariel stated “once again we see the convenience of Arab motorists is of greater concern that the safety of Israeli citizens”.

MK (Ichud HaLeumi) Prof. Aryeh Eldad added that just like when the decision was made to remove checkpoints throughout Yehuda and Shomron, we are unable to know how many lives will be lost as a result, the same holds true regarding Highway 443.

Kadima MK Otniel Schneller rejected the decision, explaining the establishment of a Palestinian state demands separate infrastructure and living side by side, with appropriate security precautions in place.

Yariv Oppenheim, the director of the radical left-wing Peace Now organization praised the remove, which he states is a step towards “restoring democratic norms”. He insists that the safety of Israeli motorists is of paramount importance and this can be achieved with the proper preparations.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)