The Israel Defense Force relented slightly Monday and permitted seven left-wing Knesset members to enter the embattled West Bank village of Beit Sahur.
The residents, mainly Christian Arabs, have been on a tax strike for more than a month. In an attempt to end the bloodless revolt, the Israeli authorities have refused to allow anyone to leave or enter the town without the army’s permission.
The seven Knesset members were Avrum Burg, Arieh (Lova) Eliav and Amir Peretz of the Labor Party; Yossi Sarid and Dedi Zucker of the Citizens Rights Movement; Haim Oron of Mapam; and Avraham Poraz of the Center-Shinui Movement.
They were allowed to visit the town after promising not to disclose to the news media the content of their conversations with Beit Sahur residents.
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