Studies show that US coverage is Israeli-centric. The main bureaus for CNN, Associated Press, Time, etc. are located in Israel and often staffed by Israelis. The son of the NY Times bureau chief is in the Israeli army;"pundit" Jeffrey Goldberg served in the IDF; Wolf Blitzer worked for AIPAC. Because the U.S. gives Israel over $8 million/day - more than to any other nation - we feel it is essential that we be fully informed on this region. Below are news reports to augment mainstream coverage.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Israel closes off West Bank for 4-day Jewish holiday


BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The Israeli army announced its closure of the West Bank from midnight Tuesday until midnight Saturday, a statement said late Tuesday.

The Allenby Crossing between the West Bank and Jordan will also operate under reduced hours on Wednesday and Thursday, as Israeli Jews celebrate Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.

Israeli Minister of Defense Ehud Barak ordered the four-day closure of crossings bridging the West Bank to Israel and Jerusalem, the army statement said.

No Palestinians will be permitted to leave the West Bank during the holiday period, except patients cleared to receive medical care in Jerusalem or Israel, according to the release.

Humanitarian aid and passage of doctors and medical staff will be subject to the authorization of the Israeli military authorities in the West Bank, it added.

The sole access point for Palestinians traveling abroad, the Allenby terminal, will be opened from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, before returning to normal operating hours, crossings authorities said.