Senior Doctor Joins Calls to Reopen Strategic West Bank Route for Security and Civilians
Dr. Mati Erlichman, a senior physician and resident of Beit El, has joined efforts to reopen the Valershtein route, a road connecting Beit El and Ofra to the Gush Dolav-Talmonim area in western Benjamin. He emphasized the route's critical security importance for both the Israeli military and local civilians. Dr. Erlichman noted that the current detour to Dolav takes nearly an hour, compared to just 12 minutes via the Valershtein route, highlighting the significant travel time increase caused by the road's closure years ago.
Erlichman stressed that reopening the road must be done thoughtfully, securely, and in coordination with all relevant authorities. He called on political and military leaders to facilitate the reopening for the benefit of all Israelis, especially residents and security forces in the area. Rabbi Yedidya Yaakov Levi of Dolav also supported the initiative, framing it as a form of national and spiritual restoration by returning to and settling the land.
The Valershtein route's closure has caused a major transportation disruption, forcing drivers to take lengthy detours. Field measurements indicate that reopening the road would reduce travel time by approximately 60 percent, with trips from Dolav to the nearby Fawkes checkpoint currently taking over 13 minutes due to the detours. The campaign to reopen the road continues as local leaders urge authorities to act promptly.
