By Dylan Takores
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

JERUSALEM, Israel – Beginning this week, the Israeli Transportation Ministry instituted two new bus lines designed to separate Israelis from Palestinian passengers, prompting both criticism and praise within the country.

 

 

The new lines, operated by Afikim Bus Company, are officially designated as “general bus lines,” but the service only travels to Palestinian villages.  Additionally, the supposedly “public” buses are only advertised in Palestinian areas of the West Bank.

The Ministry cited growing concerns and complaints regarding overcrowding and the safety of passengers on shared bus lines to justify its decision to create the new system.  Further, the Ministry avoided classifying the lines as “Palestinian-only,” claiming that the lines are intended to benefit both Israelis and Palestinians by relieving tension and overcrowding.

Many have responded to the new system with harsh criticism.  Jessica Montell of B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights group, called the plan to separate buses “appalling.”  Montell argued that the Ministry’s justification is an attempt to “camouflage the blatant racism of the demand to remove Palestinians from buses.”

Equally outraged, the Israeli activist group Peace Now likened the system to the racially segregated services in the United States during the civil rights era.

The Palestinian Workers’ Union referred to the system as a “racist measure” and pointed out that the buses leave Palestinians open to attacks.  This concern quickly became a reality.  Yesterday, the first day of operation, assailants set fire to two of the buses.  The identity of the assailants is unknown, but police sources believe that the act was means of protest.

However, there are some who believe the new system will be an improvement.  Khalil, a day laborer from Hebron, explained that the new buses are less expensive.  Additionally, the Transportation Ministry believes that the new buses will cut back on “pirate” van drivers who charge excessive fees to transport workers unable to get a spot on overcrowded buses.

Herzl Ben-Zvi, mayor of Karnei Shamron, maintains that the decrease in overcrowding will benefit both Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Nevertheless, protests persisted today, the second day of operation.  Palestinian officials continue to criticize the Ministry’s implementation of bus lines.  In a statement to AFP, Deputy Labor Minister Assef Said condemned the decision as a “racist policy of segregation.”

 

For further information, please see:

Al Jazeera – Israel’s Palestinian-only buses torched – 5 March 2013

Al Jazeera – Israel launches segregated bus service – 4 March 2013

Haaretz – As Israel’s separate bus lines start rolling, some Palestinians don’t seem to mind – 4 March 2013

Ynet – Separate but equal bus lines? – 4 March 2013

Huffington Post – Israel ‘Palestinian Only’ Bus Lines Launched in West Bank, Security Risks Cited – 3 March 2013