'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked
15:00 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint
A civilian minibus arrived at the checkpoint when we came, and about 20 soldiers, most of whom were lieutenant colonels and a few sergeants, arrived on a tour. One of the soldiers asked if we were part of the tour. They did not interfere with us and most importantly, did not interfere with the small number of people who were crossing the checkpoint.
15:30 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint
The doors to the vehicle inspection facility were open and we were able to observe inspections.
Many workers are returning from work and crossing to the West Bank. A few people, mostly students, are going the other way towards the seamline zone.
16:10 – A'anin Checkpoint
Economic Considerations
We arrived at the checkpoint late, which was due to open at 16:00. The soldiers had not yet arrived. About 25 people, several tractors, and a few donkeys were waiting. We called the Liaison and Coordination Administration and were told that, as usual, they would check. People are angry at the delay and even more so at the fact that the olive harvest opening hours are being discontinued before they managed to complete the harvest and do other work in the groves such as pruning and clearing the area.
This is the last day of the olive harvest and the agricultural permits which had been issued for the harvest are only valid until November 15th. In actuality, on Friday and Saturday, November 14th and 15th , the checkpoint will be closed. From next week the checkpoint will return to its usual hours and will be open twice each week for one half hour in the morning and evening. During the olive harvest the checkpoint is open three times a day, seven days a week. We called the Liaison and Coordination Administration who said they would see what was happening. We were informed that there had been an incident along the separation barrier and that they were on the way.
At 16:25 two army vehicles pass, but they were not the soldiers who were due to open the checkpoint. At 16:30 soldiers arrive in two vehicles and open the checkpoint. One car parks next to the outer gate near us and the other parks near the gate at the center of the checkpoint where people are being checked. An officer explains that there was an attempt to sabotage the fence 4 kilometers from A'anin. Since the soldiers who are responsible for the checkpoint are also responsible for the fence, there was a delay, and incidences like this need to be avoided since the fence costs a lot of money.
16:45 Everyone has crossed. The soldiers know that they must wait until 17:00. We left.