Allenby Bridge: Open for Business 24/7

The Allenby Bridge, the only passageway that links the West Bank with the Arab World, will now remain open 24 hours a day.  Israel has initiated this change in hopes of improving the Palestinian economy through an increase in trade. 

Reuters reports:

"The prime minister has ordered an immediate and significant extension of opening hours of the Allenby Bridge crossing for imports and exports in order to increase business activity and improve the lives of Palestinians," an official statement said.

The Palestinian Authority has demanded the Allenby terminal operate around the clock. Until now it has been open for passenger and commercial traffic for 12 hours a day during the working week and seven hours a day at weekends.

Nazmi Mhanna, director of border crossings in the Palestinian Authority, said a 24-hour commercial schedule would "increase the volume of exports and imports, which will boost the economy."

Palestinians have complained that strict Israeli security checks hamper the transfer of goods to and from Jordan. They say long waiting hours in the sun damage agricultural produce, causing losses and discouraging trade.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said shoring up the Palestinian economy in the West Bank would be a goal of his right-leaning government and help spur peace efforts.

The statement said Israel was ready to provide water, electricity and other infrastructure support to three internationally funded projects in the West Bank. So far the Palestinian Authority has not made such demands, it said.

"Some of the projects have been stalled for many years and it was decided at a meeting this morning to focus on removing obstacles and promoting them," said the statement, issued by Netanyahu's office.

Ynet reports that opening the crossing may also lead to joint projects and economic cooperation between Israel and the Palestinians.

Shalom, who is also minister for the development of the Negev and the Galilee, said the decision shows "major progress that will assist in the implementation of (the joint projects) and promote economic cooperation with the Palestinians."

 Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon told Ynet, "The initiative proves to the international community that Israel is willing to ease restrictions on the Palestinian population, especially with regards to the opening of the crossings.

 "However," the minister added, "the Palestinians must come to their senses and cooperate to promote ventures that are conducive to their welfare, not only those that are short term, but also the long-term projects." 

 The ministerial committee convened to discuss four key projects. One of the projects being promoted is a pilgrimage site along the banks of the Jordan River, which, if implemented, will boost the PA's economy by increasing the flow of foreign currency. South Korea, which is home to some 15 million Christians, has expressed interest in the project.

 Another project, which is backed by Germany, involves the construction of an industrial park north of Jenin in the West Bank. Israel and the PA have been planning another industrial park in Bethlehem, while the fourth joint project will see the establishment of an industrialized agricultural zone north of Jericho. This project is being backed financially by Japan.