The construction of a 45-km. (28-mile) security barrier has begun in the northern Samaria region, the Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday morning.
Construction began on Tuesday and is being carried out by the Defense Ministry’s Department of Engineering and Construction and the IDF Central Command.
"We will continue to operate against all threats we face in order to maintain the security of Israel's civilians.”
Defense Minister Benny Gantz
The new security barrier will be nine meters (29.5 feet) high and will run from northern Samaria up until the Bat Hefer area. It is designed to replace the old security fence built around 20 years ago that has fallen into disrepair.
The security budget approved the plan for the new barrier after a string of terror attacks earlier this year that claimed the lives of 21 people.
The majority of the attacks were carried out by terrorists who succeeded in entering Israel via gaps in the broken-down security fence.
The project was given a NIS 360 million initial budget and is spearheaded by Brig.-Gen. Eran Ofir.
“We are continuing our defensive efforts in the North by strengthening the Judea and Samaria security barrier and providing solutions for the Israeli home front,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Wednesday morning.
“These efforts constitute an integral part of our operational activity. Along with this, we will continue to operate against all threats we face in order to maintain the security of Israel’s civilians.”