We say: Nobody is asking Israel to remove every checkpoint and roadblock, or to allow free movement between the West Bank and Israel. What Israel is being asked to do is remove the many roadblocks that are no longer vital to Israeli security, and in the process further Israel's long-term goals.

Lifting some of the hundreds of manned and unmanned, temporary and permanent checkpoints on the roads of the West Bank - as well as removing dirt and stone barricades that block the entrances to dozens of Palestinian towns and villages - could dramatically transform the West Bank economy. It could also dramatically energize Palestinians to rebuild and heal their society and to support the peace process with Israel - all key Israeli interests. And it can be done without compromising Israeli security.

Since the start of the 2nd Intifada, Israel has put up more than 500 roadblocks in the West Bank. Many were set up in order to disrupt Palestinian mobility, in the hope of stopping suicide bombers from traveling into Israel. Others were established to block Palestinian access to roads used mainly by Israelis.

Even assuming that every checkpoint was originally justified, many of Israel's top security experts are calling for a major re-evaluation of the roadblock policy. For example, does Israel still need hundreds of roadblocks inside the West Bank to stop suicide bombers from entering Israel? Israel has nearly completed a massive security barrier sealing Israel (and Israeli settlement blocs) almost hermetically from the West Bank. In 2007, not one suicide bombing originating in the West Bank was carried out in Israel.

Some will argue that the roadblocks should remain, adding an additional layer of protection for Israel against terrorists. But the roadblocks come at a huge price: They cripple the Palestinian economy, destroy the fabric of life for every Palestinian, and in the process, alienate Palestinians who are not involved in terrorism and broaden the circle of enmity and hostility toward Israel.

Rehabilitating the Palestinian economy and improving the quality of life in the West Bank is recognized by Israel as a prerequisite for advancing the current Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts. It is necessary for strengthening Palestinian moderates such as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and weakening support for terrorists. It is therefore a key Israeli national security interest.