IDF Considers Removing Checkpoint on Route 443 from Modi'in to Jerusalem to Ease Traffic

The Israel Defense Forces are evaluating the possibility of removing the checkpoint on Route 443 leading to Jerusalem from Modi'in, as reported by Kan News on Wednesday evening. In recent weeks, the Central Command has been working with the police and local authorities to alleviate heavy traffic congestion at this checkpoint, which sees thousands of vehicles daily. Although Route 443 passes outside the Green Line and is inaccessible to Palestinian villages, security officials consider the checkpoint unnecessary.

One option under consideration involves deploying technological measures along the road to ensure no Palestinians enter the route on foot. If implemented, this change would eliminate the frequent traffic jams and reduce the number of soldiers required to staff the checkpoint. The IDF emphasized that this is an initial assessment, and soldiers may remain at the site even if inspection procedures are modified.

This development comes amid ongoing efforts to optimize security and traffic flow in the area. The article also notes related recent military directives, including the return of IDF soldiers to wearing dress uniforms at ceremonies after nearly three years and instructions not to push the yellow line westward in Gaza.