Beit Iba, Wed 28.1.09, Morning

9:30 - When we arrived at the Beit Iba checkpoint, one of the soldiers immediately tried to move us away, but he was not backed up by the commander.  At the entrance, there were no pedestrians and very few at the exit.  They inspect everyone against a list, including those in the humanitarian line.  A long line of vehicles at the exit and 4 soldiers inspect every vehicle thoroughly.  In the "hole" there are 2 detainees, but the commander did not allow us to go near them.  The DCO rep told us that they were drivers of private cars.
The DCO rep, S., explained the new program of the Nablus checkpoints to us.  According to my understanding, they intend to move the Beit Iba checkpoint up to the wall of Shavey Shomron.  He said that this arrangement would be easier for the residents of the villages around Nablus, and would shorten the road from the north in the direction of Nablus.  In the future, only vehicles will pass through the checkpoint and not pedestrians.  The Hawarra checkpoint will be enlarged for passage of vehicles and also will not be for pedestrians.