IDF launches car ID system to speed up roadblocks for settlers
Yaakov Katz , THE JERUSALEM POST Sep. 10, 2008
www.jpost.com
/servlet/Satellite?cid=1221034883760&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Due to growing discontent among West Bank settlers over waits at
checkpoints, the IDF Central Command has launched a pilot program to test a
car-identification system aimed at reducing the travel time for Israelis
crossing the Green Line.
Due to increasing Palestinian attempts to infiltrate Israel through the
crossings along the Green Line - sometimes in cars with Israeli license
plates - IDF soldiers at checkpoints are under orders to inspect all
vehicles, without exception.
In addition, the Israel Police recently stationed policemen on the Israeli
side of the crossings to try to prevent cars stolen in Israel from being
transferred to the West Bank.
A top IDF officer in the Central Command said that the system was recently
installed in 300 cars belonging to residents of Ariel and that they would be
tested over the next few weeks before being distributed to the tens of
thousands of West Bank settlers with cars. The system, the officer said, was
developed by Elbit Systems Ltd., an expert in C4I solutions.
The system works like the Easy-Pass tags for cars traveling on toll roads in
the US and Israel. In addition to the electronic card that is placed on the
windshield, a keypad is installed in the car which is used by the driver to
type in a code which lets the IDF know that the car is not a terror risk. A
special lane at the checkpoints will also be set up for the cars with the
system.
"If someone steals the car they will not have the code and we will be able
to catch them as they try infiltrating Israel," the officer said. "If the
code is punched in then the car will be allowed inspection-free access in
and out of the West Bank."