Gishron River to remain inside Israeli territory
Security fence on Egyptian border originally set up to pass through river's enclave leaving part of it in Egypt, but Nature and Parks Authority's insistence cause IDF to change plans
The IDF and the Defense Ministry have decided to reposition the new security fence on the Egyptian border in order to keep the Gishron River canyons inside Israeli territory. The decision was made following a demand by the Nature and Parks Authority.
The original plan for the fence included the creation of an enclave on the stream's upper segment leaving it inside Egyptian territory. The plan took into consideration the technical difficulties in setting up access routes and military barriers on canyon land.
Barrier in Gishron (Photo: Omri Zilgman)
However, the Eilat District in the Nature and Parks Authority refused to give away this special piece of land. After several tours in the area and hours of negotiations, the IDF finally agreed to adopt an alternative plan suggested by the Authority.
The new plan restores the fence to the international border line and scraps the plan for an enclave. The barrier will be created by various physical barriers based on the stream's natural topography which does not allow pedestrian passage in many areas.
Helicopters will assist in efforts to set up the barrier and will transport the necessary equipment aerially. Security in the area will incorporate technological means and soldier deployment, without the presence of vehicles.
"After touring the site, I informed the IDF that we will not allow the stream to be taken away from Israeli territory and that we will insist on another solution which will keep this special terrain inside Israel allowing travelers to access the Israel National Trail which runs through the site," Nature and Parks Authority Director Shaul Goldstein said.
"This is a great achievement which I hope will be implemented in other locations where security needs clash with nature's needs."
