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Israel's Security Fence and Wall

Israel's Security Fence and Wall A tragedy in the making?

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Israel's Security Fence and Wall

At the moment hundreds of bulldozers and earthmovers are carrying out the largest national project in Israeli history. An immense complex of electric fences, walls, patrol roads and trenches are being built in most part deep inside the occupied territories. To the Israeli public and to the U.S administration this is justified as a "Separation Fence" for security measures.

However even the briefest look at route of the fence (see detailed map) suggests that this is more of a unilateral redrawing of borders than a security measure.

The Wall on the western side of the city of Qalqilya a city of 40,000 is now completely sorrounded by Walls and Fences. See detailed map of Qalqilya region.

The Wall on the western side of the city of Qalqilya a city of 40,000 is now completely sorrounded by Walls and Fences. See detailed map of Qalqilya region.

Current plans envision two barriers, one running to the east of the 1967 Green Line and another to the west of the Jordan Valley. This route has little to do with protecting Israelis living inside Israel and everything to do with the demands of settlers ? settlers whose fate is to be negotiated as a final status issue, not an issue to be predetermined by Israeli actions on the ground.

In order to put more settlements on the Israeli side of the fence, Israel is planning to exploit the security barrier to reach far into the West Bank, creating indefensible corridors of Israeli territory deep inside Palestinian areas. Such a route is not only unsound from a security perspective, but it will also greatly increase the length of the barrier, the cost of constructing it, the number of soldiers that will be required to patrol it, and the number of Palestinians who will be swept inside Israel's line of defense.

Fence between Bethlehem and the settlement of Har Homa.

Fence between Bethlehem and the settlement of Har Homa.

A route that follows the Green Line as closely as possible represents the shortest and most logical Israeli line of defense. It also represents the only internationally acceptable boundary between Israel and the Palestinians, and the only route that will both enhance security and not undermine the prospects for peace.

If the true purpose of the fence it to create a security barrier between Israel and the West Bank ? a goal supported by the vast majority of Israelis across the political spectrum - then the Sharon government should construct the barrier along the Green Line, resisting pressure to veer into the West Bank or to the west of the Jordan Valley.

It is worth noting that the security fence that separates Israel from the  Gaza Strip? often cited as an example of how a fence can enhance Israel's security? runs along the recognized pre-1967 border.

More information, photos and presentations:

The most informative piece written about the wall was published by Israel's leading daily, Yediot Ahronot. The article clearly outlines the history of the project, the interests involved and its long term implications on both Israelis and Palestinians. If you want an indepth understanding of the wall and fence including the political history behind it this article from Israeli Daily "Yediot Ahronot: is highly recommended.