In a discussion held on November 11, 2013, by the sub-committee for Judea and Samaria of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, severe criticism was directed at the warrant issued by the commander of the IDF Central Command several months ago, which enables tens of thousands of Palestinian laborers, working within the Green Line, to use the public bus services of Judea and Samaria. The sub-committee’s chairman, MK Moti Yogev from Habait Hayehudi (the “Jewish Home” party), sent a request to the Minister of Defense, asking him to reexamine the installment of the warrant (as was published in Israeli newspapers).
Nearly a year ago, following complaints Kav LaOved received from Palestinian workers who wanted to use public transportation and were refused, Kav LaOved produced a short film (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ZBeAkIIw0) which captured the situation. The film received tens of thousands of views and was broadcast on all TV channels in Israel and many abroad. It seems that this film was the trigger for the issuing of the aforementioned warrant.
Since then, however, settlers in the Occupied Territories, who are still finding it difficult to travel in buses alongside Palestinian workers, have not ceased attempts at undermining the essence of the warrant by trying to re-create segregated bus services. Recently a film was produced and broadcast on Channel 7 in which various accusations are directed at Palestinian workers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ0lj2DCGQU&feature=youtu.be
Kav LaOved will continue to follow the situation of public transportation in the Occupied Territories.
Translated by: Or Glicklich
