Security or Provocation?

Security, or provocation?

Published in Ha'aretz

November 22, 2001

I keep reading and hearing quotes from IDF spokesmen explaining that the myriad military roadblocks in the occupied Palestinian territories are imperative to Israeli security.

Maybe someone from the IDF could explain to me what painting Israeli flags and slogans on the roadblocks has to do with Israeli security needs? Or maybe someone could enlighten me on how it enhances Israel's security to make students carrying nothing but books stand behind barbed wire by the road while their IDs are being checked?

Could someone also take the time to let me know how throwing stun-grenades and tear gas canisters, and beating up people armed with nothing but flags and banners - as at Surda roadblock on Thursday morning - will make Israelis in Tel Aviv feel more secure?

A first step toward enhancing Israeli security inside the Green Line would be to dismantle the incredible provocation that the roadblocks are in the daily life of the Palestinian people and others living in the occupied territories.