Hebron, Sansana (Meitar Crossing), South Hebron Hills, Susiya

M. and I left the Shoket junction at 08:00.

Meitar crossing – Sansana

There are still workers waiting for transportation on the Israeli side. The parking lot on the Palestinian side is filled with cars. The truck crossing is fairly empty.

South Hebron Hills

We drove to Susia to see whether they’ve already begun getting ready for Thursday’s activity. As of now there are only many large signs announcing the event and Israeli flags fly at every settlement and intersection – provocation the sake of provocation. In Susia Nasser told us that if activities are held at the ancient site of Susya they’re afraid cars will park on the road and block the entrance to their village.

Along the road to Hebron many Israeli flags fly at the intersections, signs invite the public to events planned for the intermediate days of Passover, and a new sign demands Israeli sovereignty be extended to Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley.

Hebron

The army and border police have reinforced their presence in Hebron in preparation for the holiday. At the entrance to the Cave of the Patriarchs we’re asked what our religion is. I decided to fight fire with fire and asked them what their religion is…

Most of the shops opposite the Cave of the Patriarchs are closed.

Pharmacy junction

A large, organized group of women and children march along; it’s not clear where they’re headed. A military vehicle is parked at the junction, apparently carrying equipment to break up demonstrations; two pieces of equipment stand next to it but we don’t know what they are.

An army bulldozer farther along Shuhada Street begins moving concrete barriers toward the road. Israeli flags fly all along the street.

Two small children play in an IDF emplacement farther up the street; the soldier stands outside.

Four soldiers with drawn weapons patrol the road up to Tel Rumeida. No one’s working at the archaeological dig.

When we returned from Shuhada Street a policeman stopped us at the turn to the Cave of the Patriarchs plaza and asked for a ride to the “Kirya” – Kiryat Arba. He repeated his request a few times and couldn’t understand my reluctance – the unbearable symbiosis between the police and the settlers.

We drove up to Giv’at Gal and through the industrial area to Highway 60. The balloon floats over Beit Haggai, flags fly from the light poles, the southern entrance to Hebron is open and there are no soldiers in position.

Back to Israel.