Bethlehem, Tue 2.8.11, Morning

Bethlehem - Checkpoint 300, 6:45 am: 

We meet E, a policeman, whom we haven't seen for some time. I think he may be in   charge, but in any event, has a major role at the CP, and has always been extremely friendly to us.  (He says he was away for six weeks on a health program and lost 12 kilo)  He tells us that the problem is that often whatever they have that detects metal is not working, only one entrance is then open for people to pass through.  It is never replaced, although it happens frequently, for which he blames the army. He also said that the CP is always open 24 hours.  In any event by 7:30 all had passed.