Hebron, South Hebron Hills, Sun 9.1.11, Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A.

Meytar-Sansana Crossing

When we arrived at 06:40 most of the workers were already waiting on the Israeli side and there were still a few coming through. Fewer workers came today because of the rainy weather. The stall owners told us they had hired a lawyer to deal with the matter of their license with the Civil Authorities.

Route 60

There is heavy fog along most of the way and it is impossible to see more than a meter ahead, but we still see the children making their way to school and the army jeeps at the curve near Bnei Na'im, at the pillbox near Dura Elfawwar, at the entrance to Kiryat Arba and the Beit Anun–Hebron Junction (near the girls' school.)

At the Sheep Junction three soldiers have set up a rolling checkpoint and are checking cars at random, inspecting ID's and the trunks of cars. The soldiers, all reservists, claim they don't delay Palestinians for more than five minutes and even that is unnecessary. On the way back the checkpoint was no longer there.

Hebron

The "Tzabar" brigade of Givati is now in Hebron – and there are new flags decorating the army base on Givat Haharsina. In general, no one is detained at any of the checkpoints.

At Tel Romeida a Palestinian was receiving his ID card back from a soldier, who stopped us for questioning too. He consulted with his superiors and we were allowed to continue on our way. The streets of Hebron look even more deserted in the rain.

A patrol of Givati soldiers patrols the Shuhada Street. We haven't seen such patrols for a long time.