The Israeli Ministry of Security announced today, Monday, according to Israeli sources, that the Border and Seam Line Directorate and the Engineering and Construction Department in the Ministry of Security and the Central Command of the Israeli Army are responsible for the implementation. The ministry’s statement noted that it is working with the Israeli army to plan other sections of the wall, in addition to developing a defensive concept for the borders and what that requires in terms of efforts. It is noteworthy that a large part of the western side of the border is in the occupied West Bank. According to Israeli media, the cost of the border wall amounts to 5.5 billion shekels (about 1.7 billion dollars). The project includes the establishment of a multi-layered system along the border, starting from the occupied Golan Heights up to the area north of the city of Eilat. Security Minister Yisrael Katz described this project as one of the central missions for Israel’s security, pointing out that it contributes to securing settlements along the border and reducing arms smuggling into the occupied West Bank. He continued: “We have ordered the establishment of new settlements along the wall to consolidate our control in the area and enhance settlement as a strategic element in our national security,” as he described. It is worth mentioning that the West Bank is witnessing escalating tension with the continued Israeli military operations against Palestinians, including raids, house demolitions, and arrests.
