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

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

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

Israel’s Security Fence 20 October 2003 Security Fence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Purpose of the Fence 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 2003 Security Fence

Maintaining Daily Life 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. Once completed, the fence will allow removal of roadblocks from the West Bank. 20 October 2003 Security Fence

Where is the Security Fence? 20 October 2003 Security 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 security fence DOES NOT delineate a border of any kind. 20 October 2003 Security Fence

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

Rate of crimes ( robbery, theft) along the route has decreased by 30%! Facts 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 2003 Security Fence

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

Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest For More Information, Please Contact: The Israeli Consulate Press Office: (713) 627-3780, ext. 504 LINKS: Israeli Government Resources  Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mfa.gov.il Israel Defense Forces: www.idf.il  The Seam Zone: www.seamzone.mod.gov.il/Pages/ENG/default.htm Israeli News Sources in English Haaretz: www.haaretzdaily.com Jerusalem Post:www.jpost.com 20 October 2003 Security Fence