Occupied Jordan Valley
14:30 – 16:30
We crossed the Bezek Checkpoint at 14:30.
It is very hot and dry.
Rotem Settlement – The pirate settlement south of Rotem continues to develop. A wooden pergola, flowers, and spice plants in boxes have been added. The mobile home at the eastern edge is being used for living quarters. It has an air conditioner and while we were there we saw a young girl emerge. Water is provided from a tank nearby. One of the pipes is leaking and creating a large puddle. There is no shortage of water here and no doubt the settlers are not paying for it.
There are two pirate settlements on the slopes south of the settlement of Rotem. One of them is surrounded by scaffolding and renovation work or paining is being done. Life in the other settlement continues as usual, and a shaded area has been built for cars.
The ascent to Tayasir: There is an army camp of tents in the firing range north of the Tayasir Checkpoint.
Tayasir Checkpoint: We talked to a taxi driver who had crossed at the checkpoint about the crossing after seeing a Facebook posting by Activestills about the blocking of the road at Tayasir Checkpoint (see below). He reported that on Wednesday Tayasir Checkpoint had been closed and traffic was redirected to the Hamra Checkpoint. This included all traffic coming from Tayasir as well as from Hamm Al Malakh. According to the post children riding in a transport vehicle had to cross the checkpoint on foot after being sent back and then continued home. The taxi driver whom we spoke to had not heard about this.
The Alon Route: The dirt embankments have been reinforced and canals have been dug in places where there were openings.
Hamra Checkpoint: A bulldozer and cars are parked in the parking lot. The watchtower is manned.
Khalat al Makhul – Y. reported that everything was quiet and was happy to receive the packages that we brought.
At the entrance to the settlement of Maskiot signs were posted inviting people to give to the poor in their town.
We crossed back through Bezek Checkpoint at 16:30. It was Thursday afternoon and there was a long line of cars and busses waiting to cross, including a bus from the “Birthright” program.
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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Khalet Makhul
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Khalet Makhul
A small settlement of a shepherd community located on the way to the settlement of Hemdat. Two nearby outposts make life miserable for the Palestinians, who make a living from grazing, and the army backs the settlers. As a result, the possible grazing areas are getting smaller.
The local children attend school in the settlement of Ein Al-Beida. Long lines of 3 hours sometimes stretch out at the Hamra and Tayasir checkpoints leading to the town of Tubas, making it difficult to get water, supplies, and sell the cheese, milk, and meat that the residents produce for their living.
Following a deadly attack at the Tayasir checkpoint in February 2025, the checkpoint was closed completely for the time being.
(Updated March 2025)
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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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