CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM IN JENIN AS JALAMEH CROSSING

UNCLAS JERUSALEM 001933 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS USAID TO BORODIN, NSC FOR KUMAR, JOINT STAFF FOR SELVA, NEA FOR IPA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ETRD EAID KPAL KWBG IS PBTS SUBJECT: CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM IN JENIN AS JALAMEH CROSSING OPENS TO ARAB-ISRAELI VEHICLES ¶1. (SBU) Summary. On October 4, following the completion of USAID-funded structural improvements, Jalameh Crossing (on the West Bank-Israel border north of Jenin) opened on October 4 for Arab Israelis in personal vehicles to cross into the West Bank and back for the first time since October 2001. Members of the Jenin Chamber of Commerce stressed that it would take several months to judge the economic impact and the sustainability of the flow of visitors. They noted that Jenin's restaurants and streets were busy on the first weekend of Jalameh's opening. End Summary. Jalameh Opens on Trial Basis -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The personal vehicle crossing at Jalameh opened the week of October 4 for approximately 20 vehicles per day, and gradually ramped up over the following two weeks to a cap of 200 cars per day. The crossing continues to operate on a "trial basis" from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week. Vehicles entering the West Bank stop for an ID check and are given a list of items with which travelers are prohibited from returning to Israel through the crossing, including meat, dairy, eggs, car parts, and flammable materials. No wait time was observed for cars entering the West Bank, while the waiting and processing time appeared to average about 30-40 minutes during peak times for cars exiting Jenin to Israel. When departing, passengers and drivers show their ID, open their trunks for spot checks, and are usually directed to a secondary inspection. Local sources said that the crossing into the West Bank sometimes closes earlier than expected once the cap of 200 vehicles is reached. Econoffs (who spent three hours at Jalameh attempting to enter Israel en route from Jenin to Jerusalem in a diplomatic vehicle on October 20) observed Arab Israelis returning home with shopping bags of goods and even furniture. ¶3. (SBU) Members of the Jenin Chamber of Commerce were enthusiastic about the opening, noting that "For the first time, we believe you, USAID, and Mr. Blair when you talk about improving the economy! Opening this crossing was the Chamber's priority." Nasr Atyani, the general manager of the Chamber, added that the remaining uncertainty about the official opening, hours, number of permitted vehicles, and restrictions on bringing back goods needed to be cleared up in order to institutionalize the border easing. A Necessary But Not Sufficent Step? -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Members of the Jenin business community are hopeful that the influx of Arab Israeli shoppers will allow residents to capitalize on the security improvements and lead to noticeable improvements in what one Jenin businessman called this "blighted region." However, in visiting Jenin to discuss the opening of the crossing, econoffs were repeatedly told by local residents that there are other steps required to restore economic vitality to the region. Jenin's economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture and wages from workers in Israel. Jenin's business leaders continue to call for the relaxation of restrictions that farmers face in accessing their fields near and on the other side of the separation barrier, and for increasing the number of permits for locals to work in Israel. RUBINSTEIN