IDF Central Command Examines Cancelling the Ofer Checkpoint on Route 443

IDF Central Command has begun staff work with the police and area authorities to examine cancelling the Ofer checkpoint on Route 443, at the entrance to Jerusalem from Modi'in, which thousands of vehicles pass daily. The road runs outside the Green Line but has no access from Palestinian villages, and defense officials believe the checkpoint can be dropped in its present format. One option under review is deploying technological means along the route to confirm no vehicles carry Palestinians who reached it on foot. Removing it would ease chronic congestion and free its soldiers for other missions. The IDF stressed the examination is preliminary and troops may remain on site.