Israel builds fence along border with Jordan to protect new airport

Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-06 23:00:10|Editor: yan
Video PlayerClose

JERUSALEM, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- A 4.5-km-long fence is being built along the southern part of Israel-Jordan border to protect a new airport, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense on Monday.

The 30-meter high new fence stretches along Israel's southern city Eilat through the sands of Samar, north of Timna.

It will help protect aircraft taking off and landing at the new Ilan and Asaf Ramon airport, currently being built near Timna, said the statement.

The construction cost of the fence and the airport is roughly 300 million New Israeli Shekels (about 85 million U.S. dollars), the statement added.

The Ministry of Defense said that the new fence is being modeled after the security barriers along Israel's borders with Egypt and the Golan Heights, with adjustments for the specific terrain of the Arava.

This undertaking includes the development of road systems, observation towers, operations centers and other advanced technological measures, the statement said.

Placed on dozens of tall pillars, the fence was designed to protect aircraft against a range threats during take-off from or landing at the airport.

"We are constantly working to strengthen the security components on all borders, in the face of existing and future challenges," said Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman.

"The unique fence that we are currently constructing in the Arava, in order to protect the new airport, is further proof of the creativity and ability of the defense establishment," he added.

The construction of the fence required, among other things, the evacuation of 13 km of old minefields, which will be completed in the coming months.

Hydrological solutions have been developed in the constructing process to enable the establishment of the Nahal Ha'Arvah route, resilient waterway barriers, ecological passages for animals, as well as corrosion prevention solutions, said the statement.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011105521367324951