Hamra (Beqaot), Tayasir
11:45 Bezeq checkpoint
We passed the checkpoint.
It is very hot and dry. Amazing view.
Up the road to Tayasir we drove behind a water tanker which has turned towards one of the Beduin tent encampments. Another tanker is by the side of the road. Maybe it is waiting to be filled up with water too.
12:00 Tayasir checkpoint (photographed)
It is very hot. We climbed up to the point that ovelooks the military position at the center of the checkoint. We saw a private car with yellow license plate (Israeli). The driver handed the officer a green ID (Palestinian). The barrier rose, and the car went on its way to area A (Palestinian territory, forbidden to Israelis). "I only do what I have to do", the nice officer told us, as he welcomed us pleasantly, offered us cold water, and listened patiently to our explanation about "MachsomWatch" and about the occupation. Later on the soldiers also offered us lunch, which has been brought from the watchtower.
The soldiers' talk about their meal reminded us of the movie "Giv'at Hlfon" (Halfon's hill, a cult Israeli movie).
In the meanwhile the few cars which had gone through the checkoint went by. The driver showed his documents, was asked about his destination, and moved on.
We checked the road spikes, they are in place.
Alon road –The earth dike is still there
The vineyards of the Ro'ie and Beka'ot settlements are laden with grapes.
We saw herds crowding under an improvised shed made of brown yuta cloth, and we saw other herds in the blazing sun.
12:55 Tamra checkpoint (In the photograph)
A green spot in the desert landscape, and not necessarily a settlement.
The thermometer in the car shows 40 degrees Celsius .
The traffic is scarce. The cars hardly wait. A few transportation vans with workers and a few cars are coming and passing.
A soldier approaches us. He asks us to leave the "Military zone". He explained that he watches over us, just as he is watching over the Palestinians and therefore we have to move away.
After our short conversation he repeated his request and returned to his post.
13:15 We left the place.
Near Gochia gate we met B., who lives at Halat Makhul. We agreed that we would come visit them next time we were here. It is a Beduin community which was destroyed a few weeks ago by the military bulldozers.
13:50 Bezeq
In this heat – 45 degrees – the checkpoint was opened with no problems.
Hamra (Beqaot)
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One of the Jordan Rift Valley checkpoints that prevent direct transit between the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, in addition to Tayasir Checkpoint. Located next to Hamra settlement, on Route 57 and the Allon Road.
Read about the peple of the Jordan Valley and the quiet transfer happening there.
Shahar ShilohNov-3-2021Ein Shibli: grazing begins close to home
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Tayasir CP
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Located on road 5799, It is one of the checkpoints control the passage between the northern West Bank and the Jordan Valley. For a long time, it stood empty and open, with only a sign next to it warning against entering Area A. It was adjacent to an old military camp - now everything is neglected. How much money was invested here, and how much brainwashing was done to the soldiers of Netzah Yehuda and Kfir.
Today, it is very difficult to pass there. Many delays. Often, teachers from Tubas are not allowed to pass into the Valley to villages like Ein al-Bida where the local schools are located, and there are no classes. There are additional days when the checkpoint is closed. In general, there is a wait there of about two to four hours to go towards the Valley and also to return. Many times the Palestinians are forced to use the Hamra checkpoint, which also leads into Tubas and the West Bank, but there is also a huge queue there and a long wait.
Following a deadly attack on soldiers at the nearby base in February 2025, the checkpoint was completely closed for the time being. (Updated March 2025)
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