'Anabta, Ar-Ras, Jubara (Kafriat), Qalqiliya, Tue 15.1.08, Afternoon
Jubara 13:30
No detainees
.
Ar-Ras
There is scarcely any vehicle traffic.
No inspection of vehicles going towards Tulkarm.
In the opposite direction the inspections are superficial.
A new addition to the checkpoint: A crash barrier between the two roadways with the words "Home Front Command" on it. Thus we have learned that this checkpoint is deep in the home front.
Nathan, the commander, makes it a point to confront us about the place we park our car and the place we choose to stand. We feel we are not welcome and since the traffic is thin, we take off.
Anabta 14:15
There are 7 cars at the entrance to Tulkarm and 12 at the exit. The reason for the line, according to the commander, is the extra check of taxis, especially their drivers. Other vehicles are not checked.
Suddenly the line at the entrance is congested. It turns out that the soldier has stopped the line because one vehicle stopped beyond the white line. Although it backed up, the front wheels are still a few centimeters beyond the white line. To back up a little more, the whole line has to move. It doesn't seem to bother the soldier. Fortunately, the commander is a nice person and he takes the soldier aside and succeeds in soothing him. The line fades away.
14:30 – Seventeen cars are waiting at the exit from Tulkarm. The delay is due to the thorough inspection of the taxis. Five United Nations vehicles pass the line fast. All of a sudden, all activity stops. The commander's answer to our question is "drill". A few minutes later, the activity resumes.
14:40 – We leave for Beit Iba.
Qalqiliya 17:30
Twenty cars are waiting at the entrance to the city. Only Israeli vehicles are checked for entry permits. The checkpoint is manned by reservists who have replaced the Border Police soldiers.
No delays on the way out of the city.