Construction Begins on New Security Fence in Northern Shomron

Israel on Tuesday began construction of a 28-mile (45-km) long security barrier in the northern Shomron, the Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday.

The nearly 30-foot-tall security barrier replaces the original one constructed 20 years ago at the height of the Second Intifada and will include a protective wall and additional technology to prevent infiltrations.

It is estimated that some 40,000 labor migrants enter Israel illegally every day. Israel has chosen to turn a blind eye to this phenomenon, not just because of budgetary concerns, but because these Palestinian labor migrants support their families in the Palestinian Authority, improving their economic situation and, theoretically, reducing motivations for terrorist attacks.

The Defense Ministry’s Department of Engineering and Construction and the IDF Central Command are coordinating construction efforts.

“We are continuing our defensive efforts in the north by strengthening the Yehudah and Shomron security barrier and providing solutions for the Israeli home front,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz said.

“These efforts constitute an integral part of our operational activity. Along with this, we will continue to operate against all the threats we face in order to maintain the security of Israel’s civilians,” Gantz said.

In April, Gantz issued a directive to prepare a work plan to build the security barrier at key points along the seam line.