Hebron, Sansana (Meitar Crossing), South Hebron Hills
We left at 10 AM, so the Meitar crossing after was quiet when we arrived. The parking lot on the Palestinian side is very full; our side is deserted. We took Highway 317, the secondary road. Much activity in the settlements along the road: construction, expansion, preparing new areas for building. A new structure has been completed in the Har Hebron-Meitarim regional council near the road and at a distance the land is being leveled. Also in Susya. A new shed has been built at Giv’at Aviha’il, overlooking the entrance to Kiryat Arba.
Hebron
Farther on we see that on Ja’abri’s land the Hazon David “synagogue” has been re-erected, the same illegal structure that was demolished by order of the Supreme Court after endless hearings which lasted years. Last week we saw a small tent had been erected. This week we saw it had been expanded: the tent encampment had doubled in size.
The plaza in front of the Cave of the Patriarchs:
We and others on a tour of “Breaking the Silence” have tea and coffee at ‘Abed’s while opposite us three settlers and a video cameraman run around: They must be making a PR film.
To the left, which belongs to Palestinian Hebron, there’s a row of souvenir shops like ‘Abed’s. They closed years ago because conditions didn’t allow them to make a living. We were happy to see them open on our visit, with attractive merchandise. The young men running them said that because it’s been quiet they were encouraged to try. They’re having a hard time for now, because the tour guides pass them by.
Israeli buses in the distance let off soldiers who’ve also come for a tour of the Cave of the Patriarchs… One more day of occupation…