Beit Iba, Shave Shomron, Tue 16.9.08, Morning

Beit Iba Checkpoint . 7.10 (6.10 Palestinian time).

When we got to the checkpoint we met taxi drivers who told us the police had been harassing them. The one said he got a ticket for speaking on the phone even though he had been standing on the side of the road and another for a transgression which he had not carried out: 4625 shekel in all. On the other hand, when settlers from Kedumim broke his window he had not received any compensation.

How can we help him? We took his details

The checkpoint itself was almost empty. We spoke to the representative of the DCO who told us of the previous day's attack on the boy at Yitzhar. A settler had shot at animals of a shepherd who was evidently the father of the attacker. Two donkeys and a sheep had been killed. The DCO representative knew of the incident and had seen proof but had not informed the media.

7.40 We left.

7.50 Shavei Shomron is open and cars are not checked.

8.05 – 8.30 We went back to Beit Iba. Most of those passing are students and there is hardly any checking at the entrance. One man is usually checked in a group. Cars are checked. The commander chases away a man who seems to be mentally retarded from the area of the checkpoint. Those leaving Nablus are checked as always…belts and empty pockets.