Defense Minister Amir Peretz ordered a halt to construction on the security fence section in the Judean Desert, heeding calls by MKs to review construction plans which they say are harmful to the landscape and wild life.
The 30-kilometer section stretched from Metsudat Yehuda to Nahal Hever.
The Judean desert (Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature)
Labor Faction Chairman Yoram Marciano received a written commitment from Peretz to review the route and come up with an environmental friendly alternative.
"I am happy that the unnecessary construction of the security fence in the Judean desert area has been halted," Marciano said.
Marciano and MK Uri Ariel of the National Union-NRP faction visited the site last week and proposed alternative routes that could minimize damage to nature and construction methods that are half as costly as the proposed NIS 450 million (USD 107 million).
"I welcome the decision in light of the struggle that I have lead against the construction of the fence in this area which … was planned illogically," said MK Ariel.