The Israeli Ministry of Defence has introduced a new military order preventing Palestinians from entering Israel via roads used by Israelis, restricting their entry to 11 crossings specifically earmarked for Palestinians. Previously, Palestinians with valid permits could enter Israel via Israeli-only crossings if they were passengers in vehicles driven by Israelis. According to veteran Israeli journalist Amira Hass, signs have been posted at all other access roads from the occupied West Bank warning that “non-Israelis” may not use these crossings. However, according to Hass, the signs define “Israelis” as citizens or residents of the state, “but also as tourists or anyone entitled to immigration to Israel under the Law of Return”. Eight of the crossings are not located on territory recognised internationally as Israeli, but are in Palestinian territory inside the 1967 Green Line, either within the occupied West Bank or inside occupied East Jerusalem.

From Green Left Weekly, February 22, 2006.
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