DCO Beit El

DCO Beit El, Thrusday morning, 1.1.04Observers: HB, MBH As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by two young officers who informedus that there are new instructions, from high up, not to allow any Israelicivilians within the DCO. These are allegedly to prevent Israeliemployers from trying to put pressure for permits for their employees.Later we found out that it was also a response to the Yediot article aboutus, at which the army apparently took offence. They have decided to dealwith us properly but formally, saying that from now on, visits to the DCOmust be prearranged, and all questions must be addressed to thespokesperson. As for today -- she was not available. So our visit cameto nought. We passed by the Court CP (the alternative passage path for VIP vehicles).It was deserted, but for the soldiers stationed there, with rifles on theready.