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- encrypting and securing the data; and
- transferring it among authorized agencies.
At the end of the year end 2013 trial period, all Israeli citizens will be required to provide biometric data for IDs, passports, and storage in Israel's national database.
Palestinians already must have their hands electronically scanned when applying for Israeli-Issued Magnetic ID cards. At issue is facilitating freer movement under repressive imposed restrictions.
For example, West Bank Palestinians wishing to reach Jerusalem, Gaza or Israel must apply and pay for a magnetic card. Having one proves they have security clearance permission. If gotten, it's for short periods. Most often it's for medical or other emergencies.
Foreign travel requires an Interior Ministry-issued "laisser passer." If granted, it's good for one year and renewable only in Israel. To reach Jordan, a valid passport is needed. Many West Bank and East Jerusalemites have it as the Hashemite Kingdom once administered the Territory.
Under siege, Gazans are entirely isolated with few exceptions, other than those able to reach Egypt through Rafah. Those granted travel permission to Jordan or abroad via Ben Gurion Airport must have authorized IDs, magnetic cards and permits.
For decades under occupation, Palestinians have been governed by hundreds of draconian military orders. They cover virtually everything from bank account withdrawals, water rights, land transactions, opening a business, growing onions, public gatherings, what can and can't be published, planting and growing fruit trees, and much more.
Under military occupation, their lives are repressively micromanaged. Orwell understood it well. He once called "the price of liberty....not so much eternal vigilance as eternal dirt." Getting it, of course, is worth it.
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