Newly paved road created as a solution to remove as many checkpoints and roadblocks. Photo: IDF Spokesperson

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On Tuesday (March 24, 2009) the IDF Website visited the Binyamin Regional Brigade Headquarters in the Judea and Samaria region. Major Koby Cohen, an engineering officer in charge of the infrastructure of the region, gave the IDF Website a tour, showing how the IDF is implementing projects that ease Palestinian life and freedom of movement.  “I am currently in charge of removing as many checkpoints and roadblocks as possible, that don’t affect the security of Israeli civilians,” explained Maj. Cohen.

The Binyamin Regional Brigade has a vast amount of territory under its jurisdiction, and is the largest regional brigade in the IDF. “We are responsible for 100,000 Israeli residents and 400,000 Palestinian residents”, explained Maj. Cohen.  “The cooperation between the IDF and the PA security forces has been enjoying much success in the past few years. There has been great improvement in the effectiveness of the Palestinian Security Forces and we are working with them.”  During Operation Cast Lead, riot attempts in the area were thwarted by PA Security Forces.

Maj. Cohen, engineering officer in charge of infrastructure in the region

During a tour in the region, Maj. Cohen showed IDF Website new projects that improve Palestinian freedom of movement. “We have been removing as many roadblocks and checkpoints as possible.  Out of our four biggest checkpoints, two have been dismantled and plans to dismantle more continue.”

The existence of checkpoints and roadblocks has become necessary to prevent the spread of terror activity within the region and out of it.

Maj. Cohen also showed the IDF Website other important responsibilities that he has. “In some cases Palestinians try to destroy parts of the security fence or other infrastructure that we have built in the area. Our job is not only to patrol the area, but also to repair any damage caused.”