A spokesperson said: "Claims that the IDF is restricting Palestinians' daily lives are unfounded. These measures are traffic management and monitoring to ensure regional security.
"Regarding Route 367, residents are permitted to travel on weekdays after inspection.
"On weekends, traffic restrictions are applied according to local law due to the sensitive security situation.
"Residents of the villages using the road are allowed passage, and in exceptional cases, additional access can be coordinated with the Civil Administration.
"Despite the complex security reality, the IDF works to keep roads open and maintain as normal a daily life as possible in the area."
However, Haaretz claimed that soldiers who recently returned from operating in the area reported that the policy was also being enforced throughout the week.
And it also reported that the checkpoints are manned by members of "regional defence" battalions, many of whom are residents of settlements.
Diab Mashaalah, the head of Jab'a's local council, told the outlet: “Visitors have stopped coming to the village. If you do not have a permit or are not from Jaba'a, you will not be allowed through.
"There are two checkpoints, one for entering and one for leaving. If a soldier mistakenly lets someone in, they may be denied exit later. Then what do you do? Sleep on the street.
"They check everyone individually and search vehicles. If any security issue arises, we must coordinate with authorities to confirm passage is allowed.”
