PM briefed by numerous officials
Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO
PM praises Jerusalem separation fence
'Countries that want to fight terror such as we have suffered in Israel will study this model of a security fence, it exemplifies how to defend from suicide attacks,' says Olmert while touring Jerusalem vicinity
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
toured the outskirts of Jerusalem Tuesday, praising the effects of the security fence on the capital but refraining from comment on delays in its construction.
"The security fence has changed over time from a project for which we were condemned by the international community, to one exemplifying how to defend from a suicide terror attack," Olmert said.
Olmert studies map of fence (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO)
"Countries that want to fight terror the likes of which we have suffered in Jerusalem and other cities throughout Israel will study this model of a security fence," he added.
The prime minister was briefed on the fence by IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi, GOC Central Command General Gadi Shamni, and chief of the Jerusalem District Police, Commander Aharon Franco, among other security officials.
The tour began in the morning and circuited a number of lookout points including Nebi Samwil and Beit Jala. The area dubbed 'the Jerusalem vicinity' contains 164.5 km of the separation fence.
Olmert was briefed about the progress of the fence's construction and observed the different obstacles along its route. He also examined the crossings and a number of solutions procured to ease the life of the residents in the area.
