IDF rerouting security barrier along Bil'in

In compliance with court order, current barrier will be dismantled and dozens of olive trees replanted; new barrier enlarges Palestinian territory.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
E. Jerusalem security barrier at Kalandiya 311 (photo credit: Marc Sellem Israel/The Jerusalem Post)
E. Jerusalem security barrier at Kalandiya 311
(photo credit: Marc Sellem Israel/The Jerusalem Post)
The IDF on Sunday began a massive deconstruction of the portion of the security barrier running through the Palestinian village of Bil'in.
In compliance with a 2007 order from the Supreme Court, the IDF began dismantling a large section of the barrier in preparation for construction of a new route which will constitute a land gain for the Palestinians. Before construction of the new route can begin, however, the IDF must uproot and subsequently replant dozens of Palestinian olive trees which grow in the disputed territory.
RELATED:One injured by fire during clashes at Bil'in protestIDF strikes back in YouTube battle over Bil'in
The new route will put the security barrier within 400 meters of Modi'in Illit and is estimated to cost NIS 26 million.
Every Friday, Bil'in has been the site of often-violent demonstrations against the security barrier. Speaking in April, Lt.-Col. Shahar Sheetrit, of the Central Command said he did not expect the rerouting to have an effect on the demonstrations.
According to the IDF spokesperson, more than 200 Israeli security officers have withstood injuries from hurled rocks and other projectiles at these demonstrations.