![Israeli soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint in West Bank on 26 January 2017 [Wisam Hashlamoun/Apaimages]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2017_1_26-Israeli-soldiers-stand-guard-at-a-checkpoint-in-the-West-Bank-260117_WIH_00-8.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Israeli forces erected several military checkpoints at the entrances of the occupied West Bank district of Bethlehem yesterday evening.
Israeli forces closed the Container checkpoint in northeastern Bethlehem, stopping Palestinian vehicles leaving the district and searched vehicles and passengers, causing heavy traffic to develop.
Israeli forces also set up a military checkpoint at the Hilweh tomb area in the village of Dar Salah at the eastern entrance of Beit Sahour and searched all vehicles entering the Bethlehem district.
Read: Israel reopens main road west of Bethlehem
Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up a checkpoint near the military liaison headquarters at Beit Jala’s DCO checkpoint and searched vehicles exiting the area of Beit Jala.
An Israeli army spokesperson told Ma’an she would look into reports on the closures.