Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 20.12.09, Afternoon

15:15 PM, Etzion DCL: 10cars in the parking area.  In its verycenter stands

a threatening army vehicle, reason unknown.  Inside a man awaits the GSS,

and is let in shortly. Several others are also allowed in, seeking Xmas

permits.  Theloudspeaker finally works (poorly), and the (polite) soldier

tells us there are 10 people inside, which is confirmed byan exiting

Palestinian.  Sincenobody needs us, we leave -- and the army vehicle has

already left, too.

At the Etzion DCL cars are lined and a blue police car isthere, but by the

time we turn around moments later, it is gone, and all carshave

proceeded.

16:00 PM, BethlehemCheckpoint: people passing in bothdirections.  The day

laborers, hurrying back home, pass in less than one minute.