For Immediate Release
June 21st, 2010 18:00
IDF and CoGAT Announcement: Israeli Tour Guides to Enter Bethlehem in
Coordination with Palestinian Authority

Earlier today, fifty Israeli tour guides arrived for a briefing at the
Etzion regional brigade, as part of a seminar in preparation for the
entrance of Israeli tour guides into the city of Bethlehem.

The entrance of the tour guides was approved by the GOC Central Command and
the Civil Administration, in accordance with the Ministry of Tourism.
Following the briefing, a bus carrying the tour guides entered Bethlehem
through the Rachel crossing in order to tour the city. The tour was
coordinated by the Civil Administration and the Palestinian Authority.

This is the first time since 2000 that Israeli tour guides have been given
permission to enter the city of Bethlehem. This planned policy is intended
to contribute to the Palestinian and Israeli economy and promote tourism. In
addition, it will enable the entrance of tour groups, accompanied by tour
guides from Jerusalem directly to Bethlehem, without the need to switch
guides.

This step is part of broader measures designed to help the Palestinian
population. This program was authorized by the GOC Central Command, Maj. Gen
Avi Mizrahi, and after the Civil Administration, the Ministry of Tourism and
the Palestinian Authority completed the necessary preparation work.

The IDF Central Command, CoGAT, the Civil Administration and the Ministry of
Tourism will continue to develop programs to promote the economy and tourism
in the area in accordance with security assessments.