IDF moving sections of separation fence westward

[Gimel]

By Amos Harel

The Israel Defense Forces are continuing to make changes in the portion of the separation fence that has already been built in order to remove Palestinian villages from the area between the fence and the Green Line.

Even though moving portions of the fence, which currently runs from Salem in the north to Elkana in the south, will cost millions of shekels, the IDF believes that these changes are worthwhile for three reasons: they will reduce security risks, make life easier for residents of these villages, and spare the army the need to man gates in the fence to enable life in these villages to proceed.

Two weeks ago, Haaretz's Ze'ev Schiff reported two changes in the fence's route: the paving of a new road south of Qalqilyah, from Alfei Menashe to Nirit, to eliminate the need to close the fence's gates east of the West Bank city, and moving the fence east of Baka al-Sharkiyeh to the west of the village, so that it will now run on the Green Line, between Baka al-Sharkiyeh and Baka al-Garbiyeh.

Now two other major changes, moving the fence west of the villages of Hirbat Jabar and Azzoun, have been approved. The IDF is also considering another change: moving some houses in the villages of Jawus and Falama (south of Tul Karm) so that the fence will not separate them from their villages, as is the case now.

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Meanwhile, a senior army officer told Haaretz that construction of the next stage of the fence, from Elkana south, is proceeding according to plan. He also said that the "double fences" planned for certain areas (such as near Route 443 from Jerusalem to Modi'in) will not leave any Palestinian villages trapped between them, since even after the eastern fence is built - which will not be until well after completion of the western fence - it will remain completely open to Palestinian traffic except in the case of a major security alert.

http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=381205&contrassID=1

Facts on the ground do change.

[Jack Rabbit]

1. This sounds like a positive development

It bears watching.

[newyorican]

2. It does sound positive...

but I am concerned that Israeli announcements concerning re-routing the barrier never seem to accompany a map with the changes; While complaints about the barrier are often backed-up with maps.

On Edit: Wait a sec.."Moving houses"???

[GabysPoppy]

3. A vote for a positive development

I would rather the view as half full

[bemildred]

4. What's not to like?

[JohnLocke]

5. Interesting.

Bluesoul, Resistance, comments?

[Darranar]

6. Good.

[number6]

7. good

:thumbsup: keep moving back to green line