The Israel Defense Forces began razing about 100 "dirt mound" roadblocks from the entrances to Palestinian villages across the West Bank on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing effort to improve life for Palestinians.
The roadblocks had been erected at the start of the second intifada, as Israel was struggling to defend itself against a wave of Palestinian suicide terror attacks.
They were placed in order to prevent Palestinians from traveling directly between villages; they were also erected along main roads in the West Bank, along which both Israelis and Palestinians traveled. As such, Palestinians were forced to take longer, indirect routes to reach their destinations.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak, gave the order to the GOC Central Command, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, to send troops to carry out the razing of the roadblocks.
The army wants to complete the removal of the roadblocks by next Friday, ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
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