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Source: http://www.idfblog.com/2013/05/06/reality-check-the-truth-behind-crossings-in-judea-and-samaria/
The Truth Behind West Bank Checkpoints
(Israel Defense Forces) Security checkpoints are used to prevent terror attacks before would-be Palestinian attackers have a chance to enter Israel. The number of checkpoints in the West Bank was reduced from 40 in July 2008 to just 12 in October 2012. Furthermore, these checkpoints are only used some of the time and the frequency of checks is dependent on the security threat at the time. The main roads linking Palestinian cities are freely accessible and free of security controls. A Palestinian civilian can travel from Jenin in the northern West Bank to Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem, without encountering a single military checkpoint. The checkpoints have proven to be effective barriers against weapons smuggling. In 2012, there were 475 attempts to smuggle weapons into Israel and 1,147 attempts to enter Israel with forged ID cards. In addition, dozens of people were arrested in possession of explosives. Thus, the ongoing presence of these checkpoints remains necessary.