Inspectors prevent trucks from illegally dumping trash in West Bank
44 trucks have been impounded since the beginning of the year for trying to dump garbage there without permits.
By ZACK EVANSA dump truck impounded by COGAT inspectors.(photo credit: COGAT SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Inspectors impounded two dump trucks at the Rantis crossing on the Israeli-West Bank border, according to a February 26 press release from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.The trucks were being used to illegally move trash into the West Bank.Since the beginning of the year, COGAT inspectors have impounded 44 trucks used to illegally transport and dump waste in the West Bank.“Inspectors and workers [in the COGAT Environmental Protection Unit] work around the clock to protect the environmental quality in the West Bank,” said unit officer Benny Elbaz in a statement.COGAT is charged with implementing Israeli government policy in the West Bank. While technically part of the Defense Ministry, The office is staffed by IDF soldiers and officers as well as civilians, and works in conjunction with the IDF, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Border Police. The unit’s duties include administration of certain border crossings between Israel and the West Bank, as well as approving work permits that allow Palestinians to work in Israel.
