The Israel–Egypt barrier refers to a barrier Israel intends to build along sections of its border with Egypt in an attempt to curb the influx of illegal migrants and militants.[1]
Contents |
An old rusty low fence swamped by shifting sand dunes has existed along Israel's Sinai Desert border with Egypt, mainly serving as a marker between the two countries. Smuggling of cigarettes and other contraband, often on camels ridden by Bedouins whose tribal lands straddle the border, has been a long-term problem. In December 2005 Palestinian terrorist incursions into Israel along the porous border led to calls for the construction of a security fence.[2]
The barrier is being built to keep out militants and illegal migrants, mainly from Eritrea, Ethiopia and Sudan. Thousands of people try to cross from Egypt's Sinai peninsula into Israel every year, seeking work or asylum away from conflict or poor living conditions. In the past years Egyptian border guards have shot dead tens of African migrants trying to illegally enter Israel.[3][4] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the barrier is meant to "secure Israel's Jewish and democratic character."[1]
The barrier will be built along two parts of the border. One part will run south and east from Gaza for around 30 miles, while a second fence will run north from the Israeli city of Eilat over another 30 miles. It will have two layers of fencing, one with barbed wire.[5] It hopes to block the main infiltration routes along the 266 km (165 mi) frontier. The structure will include the installation of advanced surveillance equipment. Eventually the whole border will be sealed. The project is set to cost 1bn shekels (£170m, $270m) and take several years to complete.[1]
Egypt said they would not object so long as the barrier was built on Israeli soil.[1]