20 October 2003Security Fence Because Nearly 900 Israelis Have Been Killed By Terror…

20 October 2003Security Fence Because the Palestinian Authority Refuses to Crack Down on Terrorism…

20 October 2003Security Fence Because Israel Has An Obligation To Protect Its Citizens…

20 October 2003Security Fence Israel’s Security Fence

20 October 2003Security Fence Outline Background Background What is the “Security Fence”? What is the “Security Fence”? Purpose of the Fence Purpose of the Fence Maintaining Daily Life Maintaining Daily Life Where is the Security Fence? Where is the Security Fence? Facts Facts

20 October 2003Security Fence Since September 2000 approximately 900 Israelis have been murdered and thousands have been wounded. Background Palestinian terrorists use: - Suicide bombings; - Car-bombs; - Gun & shootings; - Grenades;

20 October 2003Security Fence Where does it happen? - shopping centers, malls; - discotheques; - buses; - any accessible populated center in Israel; Background

20 October 2003Security Fence What is the “Security Fence”? A defensive barrier between the West Bank and main Israeli population centers; from Beit She’an in northern Israel to Arad in the south. A defensive barrier between the West Bank and main Israeli population centers; from Beit She’an in northern Israel to Arad in the south.

20 October 2003Security Fence The Security Fence area includes: Intrusion detection fence. Intrusion detection fence. “Sterile” dirt tracking path. “Sterile” dirt tracking path. Observation systems. Observation systems. Police and military patrols. Police and military patrols.

20 October 2003Security Fence The Security Fence is not an electric fence The Security Fence is not an electric fence The Security Fence has detective sensors that indicate when it is touched/crossed/cut The Security Fence has detective sensors that indicate when it is touched/crossed/cut It does not cause harm to those that touch it It does not cause harm to those that touch it

20 October 2003Security Fence 94% will be constructed of chain-links; an impermanent structure 94% will be constructed of chain-links; an impermanent structure

20 October 2003Security Fence The Security Fence Only 6% of the Security Fence will consist of concrete sections Only 6% of the Security Fence will consist of concrete sections This is necessary to prevent Palestinian sniper attacks on Israeli roads and neighborhoods This is necessary to prevent Palestinian sniper attacks on Israeli roads and neighborhoods

20 October 2003Security Fence The Purpose of the Fence To prevent terrorists from infiltrating from the West Bank. To prevent terrorists from infiltrating from the West Bank. -There is no border or natural obstacle between the West Bank and Israel. -A fence at the Gaza Strip was fortified in 1994 and has stopped all suicide bombers.

20 October 2003Security Fence Maintaining Daily Life 41 agricultural gates exist to enable the Palestinian farmers access to their lands. 41 agricultural gates exist to enable the Palestinian farmers access to their lands. 9 crossing points for pedestrians and vehicles will substitute existing check points. 9 crossing points for pedestrians and vehicles will substitute existing check points. Once completed, the fence will allow removal of roadblocks from the West Bank. Once completed, the fence will allow removal of roadblocks from the West Bank.

20 October 2003Security Fence Where is the Security Fence?

20 October 2003Security Fence The route of the fence is not determined by the 1967 borders. The route of the fence is determined by security needs NOT political considerations. The route of the fence is determined by security needs NOT political considerations. The security fence DOES NOT delineate a border of any kind. The security fence DOES NOT delineate a border of any kind.

20 October 2003Security Fence Facts 1% of West Bank territory was utilized during the first two stages of the project. 1% of West Bank territory was utilized during the first two stages of the project. This land remains the property of its original owner. This land remains the property of its original owner. Owners of utilized land are offered compensation for their property and crops. Owners of utilized land are offered compensation for their property and crops. No houses were destroyed while constructing the fence. No houses were destroyed while constructing the fence.

20 October 2003Security Fence Facts Over 63,000 olive trees have been uprooted and replanted. Thousands of Iris bulbs from the Gilboa mountain were uprooted and replanted. Over 63,000 olive trees have been uprooted and replanted. Thousands of Iris bulbs from the Gilboa mountain were uprooted and replanted. Rate of crimes ( robbery, theft) along the route has decreased by 30%!

20 October 2003Security Fence The Security Fence is a manifestation of Israel’s basic commitment and right a manifestation of Israel’s basic commitment and right to defend its citizens.

20 October 2003Security Fence For More Information, Please Contact: The Israeli Consulate Press Office: (713) , ext. 504 LINKS: Israeli Government Resources Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Israel Defense Forces: The Seam Zone: Israeli News Sources in English Haaretz: Jerusalem Post: Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest