Israel to Build Eastern Border Security Fence as Part of National Counterterrorism Strategy

Israel will begin construction on a new security fence along its eastern border in the coming months, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced during a visit to the Jordan Valley on Monday. The 425-kilometer-long barrier is a key component of Israel's broader efforts to strengthen national security, prevent weapons smuggling, and counter terrorism from both local and Iranian-backed groups.

The security fence, set to stretch from the southern Golan Heights to the Samar sand dunes near Eilat, will cost approximately 5.2 billion NIS. Katz expressed concern that Iran might use proxy groups to launch attacks from the eastern border, highlighting the strategic importance of the fence in securing Israel from emerging threats.

During the visit, Katz met with local regional council leaders and security coordinators from communities along the eastern border to discuss the challenges they face. The meeting was attended by Jordan Valley Regional Council Chairman David Elhayani, who stressed the need for enhanced security infrastructure in the region.

The project will be executed by the Border and Seam Directorate in coordination with the Defense Procurement Directorate, Engineering and Construction division, and the IDF’s Central and Southern Commands. It will also include the establishment of Nahal outposts along the fence route, reinforcing Israel’s presence in the area.

Katz emphasized that the new barrier is part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in Judea and Samaria and to prevent Iran from establishing a terror front in the east. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to fighting terrorism, especially following the recent attack in Haifa. "We must eradicate terrorism—and that is exactly what we will do," Katz said.

The construction of the fence, which is expected to take three years to complete, is seen as an essential part of Israel’s ongoing counterterrorism strategy and its fight to protect its citizens from growing threats on multiple fronts.