IDF to begin easing roadblock security checks

The IDF is expected to begin implementing a special alleviations program for the Palestinians on Monday, but would not yet begin removing roadblocks in the West Bank. The army would begin easing restrictions at the checkpoints by reducing the number of security checks in order to speed up movement, Israel Radio reported. The security establishment said that alleviations would be implemented gradually. The next step, sources said, would be the removal of 27 roadblocks, as promised by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert last week.