Despite the inherent risk, an increasing number of Israelis are filling up their tanks at Palestinian gas stations and doing their shopping in Palestinian villages in an effort to contend with the high cost of living.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
By filling up their tank at a Palestinian gas station, the average Israeli can save thousands of shekels each year on gas.
"I save thousands of shekels a year just on diesel, which is sold for 40 to 50% less than in Israel, and that's without taking into consideration the huge difference in basic grocery items," N., a Jerusalem resident who fills ups his car and buys various items in Palestinian villages outside the capital, says.
Many Israelis also take their cars to Palestinian garages, where the prices are significantly lower than in Israel. "In Jerusalem, they asked for 600 shekels ($174) just [to replace] the broken plastic on my tail light. In the village, I bought an entire light with bulbs and everything for 150 shekels ($44). The disparity is incredible," another said.
Palestinians are aware Israelis are interested in the lower prices their villages offer and have hung Hebrew-language signs advertising their shops and services near the roads.
Shlomo Vaaknin, head of security in the Yesha Council, the umbrella organization of Jewish localities in Judea and Samaria, said: "There's no doubt the prices at the garages are significantly cheaper [because of the] parts they steal on demand. The buyers don't care if the day prior someone accidentally entered that village or there was a terror wave. They look at the bottom line."
Just last week, two Palestinians jumped on top of an Israeli man in his 70s who entered the Samaria town of Dayr Qadis to run errands when he got out of his car. The Palestinians grabbed his bag, in which he had concealed a gun. Two suspects have since been arrested.
In many other instances, drivers have their cars stolen while stopping for gas. The thieves steal the car as soon as the driver is distracted and drive off deep into PA territory.
In a statement, the Israel Police warned Israelis entering Palestinian villages were necessarily putting their lives at risk:
"In recent months, we are witness to a phenomenon in which many Israelis enter Palestinian Authority territory and are robbed, often through the use of force and harm to those citizens. Many Israelis enter Areas A and B to do their shopping, for trade, to fix their cars, or to dine at restaurants and cafes, among other things, [and] get caught up in an assault, a robbery, theft, [or] threatened, and are miraculously extricated from the site by security forces. The police reiterate and emphasize that entry to Area A is forbidden by law and poses a danger. Avoid entering these territories."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
