Beit Iba, Shave Shomron, Mon 11.8.08, Morning

07.40 Beit IbaBefore visiting the c/p at Beit Iba, we make the detour up to Shavei Shomron to verify that the road is indeed open.  No one is around except for a virtually invisible soldier sitting in a tank at the entrance to the settlement. We make our way to Beit Iba.  The c/p is quiet with no cars going in to Nablus.  There are about 5 vehicles in the opposite direction.  The soldiers are still checking pedestrians' ID's entering Nablus!  One soldier is waving a paper flag distributed by the Blue and White Women in a futile attempt to provoke a reaction from us.   According to the DCL, cars without permits try to cross but are being sent back.   We leave at 8.40 and a taxi driver stops us by the kiosk.  He states that the road by Shavei Shomron is open from 6.00 am to 6 pm.  It will soon be Ramadan and closure of the road at 6 pm is too early.  He requests that we assist in arranging a later closure time, say 8.00.  We say we will pass on the message.