Israel started construction of a barrier along the border with Egypt on Monday.
After years of deliberation the $371 million project started with ground preparations. Dozens of bulldozers began digging in several places along the border. In additional to the barrier, there will be an electronic fence, and a state-of-the-art surveillance system with sensors.
The stated purpose of the barrier is to stop the increased flow of illegal migrants coming into Israel via this border. Most are economic migrants from Africa and asylum seekers.
Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority showed earlier this month there had been a steep increase of illegal migration, close to 300 percent or 700 a week, reports Haaretz. According to the newspaper, Israel recognized the asylum claims of only three seekers in 2008 and 2009 combined.
The southern barrier is expected to be ready in a year.
After years of deliberation the $371 million project started with ground preparations. Dozens of bulldozers began digging in several places along the border. In additional to the barrier, there will be an electronic fence, and a state-of-the-art surveillance system with sensors.
The stated purpose of the barrier is to stop the increased flow of illegal migrants coming into Israel via this border. Most are economic migrants from Africa and asylum seekers.
Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority showed earlier this month there had been a steep increase of illegal migration, close to 300 percent or 700 a week, reports Haaretz. According to the newspaper, Israel recognized the asylum claims of only three seekers in 2008 and 2009 combined.
The southern barrier is expected to be ready in a year.
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