Israel MOD Construction on Eastern Border Security Barrier Begins

In accordance with the policy and direction of Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Security Fence and Border Administration, Department of Engineering and Construction, and the IDF's Central Command have begun construction of the first two sections of the barrier, spanning approximately 80 kilometers. In the first phase, work will focus on the Valleys and Jordan Valley sectors. Simultaneously with field operations, the Ministry of Defense and the IDF continue planning subsequent sections, formulating the border defense concept and required measures.

The plan to strengthen national security and strategic presence along the Eastern Border is a central component of the Ministry of Defense's strategy, being advanced by IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram. This effort is integrated into a renewed security concept formulated by the IDF and Central Command, which includes the establishment of a new territorial division responsible for security in the Jordan Valley, the valleys, and the Dead Sea region.

The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately USD 1.7 billion (NIS 5.5 billion), and includes the establishment of a multi-layered system along approximately 500 kilometers from southern Golan Heights to Samar Dunes north of Eilat.

Defense Minister Israel Katz: "Upon assuming office, I defined the establishment of the barrier along the Eastern Border as one of the central missions for Israel's security. The new barrier will strengthen settlement along the border, significantly reduce weapons smuggling to terrorists in Judea and Samaria, and deal a severe blow to Iran and its proxies' efforts to establish an eastern front against the State of Israel. I have directed that new Nahal outposts be established along the fence route to consolidate our hold on the ground and strengthen settlement as a strategic component of our national security. This is a significant step in the plan we are leading to thwart terror and defend the State of Israel."

IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: "The Eastern region is the longest border of the State of Israel. Defending it is a complex mission that begins with a physical barrier and redeployment of IDF forces, but does not end there. The strategy we are leading, together with government ministries, is the establishment of an entire ecosystem of settlement, employment, transportation, water, agriculture, health, and more. An initial NIS 50 million to launch the program was allocated as part of the 2026 budget. Activities will intensify in parallel with the barrier's construction."

Head of the Ministry of Defense's Security Fence and Border Administration, Brig. Gen. Eran Ofir: "The security barrier whose construction we began today will span approximately 500 kilometers along Israel's entire eastern border. It will be a smart border, including both a physical fence and sensors, radars, cameras, and advanced communication systems, capable of providing an evolving response to all defense establishment needs, present and future. Work has begun on two sections, and in the coming months, we intend to add work sites in additional sections to accelerate the pace of work."