New fence on Israel-Egypt border to cost over $1b
Plans to mount new fence along Israeli-Egyptian border may take five years to implement, cost some $1.37 billion; as simplest barbwire barrier along 186-mile border stands priced at $411 million
The building of a new fence on the Israeli-Egyptian border may cost up to $1.37 billion, depending on its security features.
Government sources told Yedioth Ahronoth Wednesday that according to the calculations, mounting the simplest barbwire fence along the 186-mile border will cost the State about $411 million. A barbwire fence has a near-100% success rate in stopping border traffic and infiltrations.
Should the government decide to erect a fence similar to the security fence separating Israel from the Palestinian Authority – which is made out of dense concrete and included watchtowers – the cost may increase to $1 billion; and the construction itself may take up to five years.
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Tuesday that funding shouldn't become the obstacle standing in the new fence's way. Minister of Pensioner Affairs Rafi Eitan reiterated this stance, adding that plans for the fence have already been put in motion in the area north of Eilat.
Building a fence in the area north of Eilat is expected to cost the State up to $137 million.
Sources in the Finance Ministry said Wednesday that the government would have to render its decision in the matter, since the mass funding necessary for the completion of the Israeli-Egyptian border project – known as "Hourglass" – may require dipping into the various government bureaus' budgets.
