The Defense Ministry vowed Thursday to spur construction on the border fence between Israel and Egypt, saying Israel hopes to complete it by 2012, a year ahead of schedule.
The decision was made just days after Egypt opened the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Sinai.
Shani tours site of fence construction (Photo: Ariel Hermoni)
Defense Ministry Director General Udi Shani toured the construction site Wednesday, and received an update on its progress. The fence will span a length of 215 km upon completion.
Shani was told by officials in the field that since construction began, infiltration of the border between Israel and Egypt has dropped by 50%.
Work on the fence began in November, and 20 km have so far been completed. The Defense Ministry says that a number of additional contractors have been hired as part of efforts to quicken the work.