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Israel's Security Fence and Wall A tragedy in the making? Download JVP's flyer in PDF format
Recent News and Articles:
To get involved with the JVP committee developing a public outreach campaign on this issue, contact: wall@jewishvoiceforpeace.org Click here to purchase Benny Brunner's excellent documentary, "The Wall", from the American Friends' Services Committee Israel's Security Fence and Wall
However even the briefest look at route of the fence (see detailed map) suggests that this is more of a unilateral redrawing of borders than a security measure. Current plans envision two barriers, one running to the east of the 1967 Green Line and another to the west of the Jordan Valley. This route has little to do with protecting Israelis living inside Israel and everything to do with the demands of settlers ? settlers whose fate is to be negotiated as a final status issue, not an issue to be predetermined by Israeli actions on the ground. In order to put
more settlements on the Israeli side of the fence, Israel is planning
to exploit the security barrier to reach far into the West Bank,
creating indefensible corridors of Israeli territory deep inside
Palestinian areas. Such a route is not only unsound from a security
perspective, but it will also greatly increase the length of the
barrier, the cost of constructing it, the number of soldiers that will
be required to patrol it, and the number of Palestinians who will be
swept inside Israel's line of defense. A route that follows the Green Line as closely as possible represents the shortest and most logical Israeli line of defense. It also represents the only internationally acceptable boundary between Israel and the Palestinians, and the only route that will both enhance security and not undermine the prospects for peace. If the true purpose of the fence it to create a security barrier between Israel and the West Bank ? a goal supported by the vast majority of Israelis across the political spectrum - then the Sharon government should construct the barrier along the Green Line, resisting pressure to veer into the West Bank or to the west of the Jordan Valley. It is worth noting
that the security fence that separates Israel from the Gaza
Strip? often cited as an example of how a fence can enhance Israel's
security? runs along the recognized pre-1967 border. More information, photos and presentations: The
most informative piece written about the wall was published by Israel's
leading daily, Yediot Ahronot. The article clearly outlines the history
of the project, the interests involved and its long term implications
on both Israelis and Palestinians.
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