Non-Christian Israelis not allowed in Bethlehem

Non-Christian Israelis will not be allowed to go to Bethlehem for the Christmas period for security reasons, Army Radio reported on Friday. During the coming Christian holidays, only senior clergymen, priests and pilgrims will be allowed to enter Bethlehem, along with tourists, Israeli Christians and Palestinian Christians carrying permits. Additionally, residents of the West Bank will be able to visit their family members in Israel and in the Gaza Strip, only after acquiring special permits from the Civilian Administartion.