The IDF has admitted that, for security reasons, it blocks some Palestinians from using a major highway in the West Bank on weekends, despite allowing settlers to access it freely.
According to a report in Haaretz, the military has established checkpoints along Route 367 - which runs from the border with Israel into the southern part of the territory - and routinely turn away Palestinian motorists.
Only residents of Jab’a and Khallet Sakariya, both of which are directly accessed by the road, and those Palestinians with permits to work in settlements are excepted, with the latter group only permitted on weekdays.
The IDF confirmed the policy but claimed it is a form of "traffic management" designed to ensure security and insisted that it is only active on weekends.
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.”
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