My Hero

Well not quite!

But still, one must give credit where credit is due. Under the Netanyahu government the Israel army has significantly removed checkpoints within the West Bank, and eased various other travel restrictions. Israelis are now allowed to travel to Palestinian cities and towns on Saturdays.

Some will say this is like loosening the shackles on the prisoners - but the prisoners are still in jail. True. But just like in a prison there is no justification for excessive harshness.

This is a positive move, that has already had a salutary effect on the Palestinian economy. It is little reported in the Western press or the anti-Israel blogosphere. Since I doubt there will be peace and an Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories soon, any move that makes life more livable in the mean time needs to be applauded.