Crossing borders within Israel/West Bank

I’m preparing for a trip to Israel to work on an independent project about the Separation Wall. I know that mobility is limited for Palestinians and Israelis, depending upon who you are and where you are trying to get to. As a foreigner (American) – is there any advice anyone can offer about what to do/not to do? I intend to go to Ramallah and Nablus, but I know that it can be extremely complicated to get from one Palestinian town/city to another.
I am also not sure if it makes sense to try to get support from a media agency (NY Times, BBC, etc.) or if that will actually restrict my access. This is not an assigned project, but I aim to spend two months working in and around Jerusalem and the West Bank.
I don’t know if entering the Territories as a “civilian” is more or less complicated than trying to enter as a “journalist.”
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Adam

by Adam Golfer at 2010-08-26 04:51:06 UTC | Bookmark | | Report spam→

Hi Adam,
the crossing to and from the the West Bank is quite easy and open these days, anyway you will follow the same faith as for the palestinians, if the IDF close a check point for any reason you will ghet stuck but apparently these days you will not get much problems, On the contrary to get a press cards from the Israel (GOP-governamental press office) is difficult unless you have the support from a big media company but you can work anyway in most of the situations
have a nice stay

by Roberto Brancolini | 29 Aug 2010 09:08 | bologna, Italy | | Report spam→

You’ll need a letter of sponsorship/supoort from a recognised media source to gett the IDF press card from the GPO in Jerusalem. Its not worth the hassle. You can get into Nablus and Ramalah easily-just get in the right taxi. If there are incursions you’ll be stuck like everyone else-but if you’ve got plenty of time it should’nt worry you. Stay safe and enjoy.

by Rhys Williams | 30 Aug 2010 11:08 | Cardiff, United Kingdom | | Report spam→

pm sent

by Menashe Wodinsky | 30 Aug 2010 20:08 | New York, United States | | Report spam→

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Sorry to those of you I haven’t responded to personally — I am a new member and I can’t send PMs for two weeks.
All of your suggestions have been really helpful. I’ll keep everyone updated.

by Adam Golfer | 01 Sep 2010 00:09 | Brooklyn, NY, United States | | Report spam→

Hi Adam,

I travelled within the West Bank (living in Ramallah). I found that I didn’t need to identify myself as a journalist, an American or British passport seems to be fine! Once you are within the West Bank, it is very easy to travel around.

Hope that helps a bit.

by Jennifer Balcombe | 02 Sep 2010 17:09 | London, United Kingdom | | Report spam→