Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Tue 21.5.13, Morning
09:30 We left the Rosh Ha’ayin train station.
We drove toward the outskirts of Ariel, to the road that once led to Salfit but was blocked after the second intifada. A large sign praising Ariel at the old entrance to the town: “A city in which life is healthy and good.” Next to the sign is a firing range and a building where gun permits can be renewed. It’s the weapons used against the people who’ve lived in the area forever and who’ve been expelled from their lands which preserve the health and welfare of the residents of Ariel who’ve arrived only recently and built their homes on plundered land.
Tapuach junction is quiet. Only one military jeep and a few soldiers, unlike the massive military presence we’ve seen during the past two weeks.
The road to Beita is open. A few soldiers visible at the Huwwara checkpoint. The road to Beit Dajan is also open. We drive toward Beit Furiq and continue to a spot from which we can see Azmut, where settlers from Alon Moreh have begun trying to take over the village’s land. We see no settlers nor army personnel in the area.
A military jeep and soldiers at the Jit junction inspect documents of people driving Palestinian cars. There’s also a military jeep parked at the entrance to Qedumim.
When we go through the Eliyahu crossing this time they inspect our IDs and ask annoying questions.
12:00 Back to Rosh Ha’ayin.