Beit Iba, Sat 6.12.08, Morning

From 06:30 to 13:00

“Blessings” from on high…straight to the land of
“apples” and honey.  [“Blessing” – Bracha - and “apple” – Tapuach - are
the names of two settlements in the area]

Route 60:  Hesitating slightly whether to “risk”
entering the “lion’s den,” we decided they’re not going to deter us, and began
our shift.

Route 60, south, was very crowded – unusual for early
Saturday morning.  We wondered whether the Palestinian travelers also
figured out that while the settlers are still asleep, and then busy with
morning prayers, the road will probably be open.  Only at the end of our
shift did we discover, if that was their calculation, that it was definitely
correct!

Beit
Iba

Traffic flows freely.  No inspections of people entering Nablus on foot.  ID
cards checked of people leaving Nablus. 
Only a sample of vehicles leaving Nablus
are inspected by the dog from the "Oketz" unit, which barks from time
to time.  No inspections at
all at the entry to Nablus. 
Two inspection booths and a gate have been erected at the junction leading to
Shavei Shomron.  From what we’ve been able to learn, Beit Iba will only be
shut down at night, when the barrier will be closed.  It wasn’t at all
clear what time the main checkpoint will close – we’ll wait and see.