Israel plans 60-mile concrete wall in northern West Bank
Palestinians believe that Israel’s decision to build a concrete separation wall in the northern West Bank aims to entrench its control over their lands and draw new borders.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinians are concerned about Israel’s recent decision to replace the northern West Bank security barrier with a concrete fence, which they believe will entrench Israel’s takeover of the lands around the barrier.
On Nov. 14, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz approved the construction of the concrete wall in the northern West Bank, in lieu of the barbed wire fence erected 20 years ago.
Construction is expected to begin in coming months. The new wall will be equipped with advanced technological surveillance.
According to Israeli media reports, the new structure will replace a 50-kilometer stretch of fencing near the settlement of Avnei Hefetz. This part will be added to another 50-kilometer stretch of fencing from the town of Salem, which will also be replaced with a concrete wall. Work on this project had already begun in June.
