Travel to the West Bank / Palestinian National Authority – Episode 256

Paul

Hi Chris,
I listened to this episode with my usual skepticism of any talk about the PA. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the guest was fairly balanced in his discussion of the PA. There are two things I want to correct your guest on though:
1) The Golan Heights has never been considered part of the PA.
2)There are 3 security areas in the PA controlled areas: Area A, B and C. Area ‘A’ – full control of the Palestinian Authority. This constitutes about 2.5% of the land area.
Area ‘B’ – Palestinian civil control and Israeli security control. These areas constitute about 25% of the land area.
Area ‘C’ – full Israeli control, except over Palestinian civilians. These areas constitute 72.2% of the land area.

Jewish Israelis are generally not allowed into Area A, but are allowed into Area C and some parts of Area B.

Erik Smith

Chris- I visited the West Bank on my Israel trip in May of 2010 (the one inspired by an Amateur Traveler episode), and I did it on a day trip from Jerusalem with a guide recommended by the guest on your Israel podcast (episode 167), Douglas Duckett. He was excellent, and I would highly recommend him to anyone else who wants to go to the West Bank while staying in Jerusalem. (I am sure you can get his e-mail address from Douglas or myself). I went out in the Judean Desert to a 7th Century Monastery known as Mar Saba. I also visited The Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, which was one of the most fascinating parts of my whole month-long trip. We also visited the Shepherd’s Fields and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
I agree with the guest- I wouldn’t want to do this as an independent traveler, although I am sure it could be done.
Two other side notes, I’ve heard that Nablus is a fascinating city to visit to get a look into the real life of the Palestinians. I did not get to visit there, but someday hope to. Secondly, most of the big rental car companies do not cover trips into the West Bank, but I drove from Jerusalem through the West Bank on roads 1 & 6 to get to the Galilee, and those were ok because they are Israeli controlled. I did have to go through a pretty intense checkpoint when re-entering Israel proper.

Jana

By the way, for independant travelers: the easiest way to get to the Westbank is to go to the bus station at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem (it is right next to the old city) and take a bus to Ramallah. The bus station has signs in English, or just ask around, people will tell you which bus to take. The bus ride costs 8 shekel and lasts 1 hour. Buy the ticket from the driver. From Ramallah you can go to any major Palestinian city by bus without probems.