Israel says it has started reinforcing its border fence with the Gaza Strip, erecting a galvanized steel barrier six meters (20 feet) high that will run the length of territory.

Israel’s Defense Ministry issued a statement Sunday saying it had commenced construction of an above-ground barrier that complements a subterranean wall aimed at thwarting Hamas attack tunnels beneath the border.

The new construction is being termed “the Upper Fence” and once finished, will be approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) long.

The fence’s construction comes after months of mass protests by Palestinians in Gaza along the border.

During this morning’s Cabinet meeting Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “Last week we began work on the upper barrier fence on the border of Gaza. The barrier will prevent the intrusion of terrorists on Israeli soil. With that, I want to clarify, that should Gaza not do its part to maintain calm in the region, we know how to make decisions even during election season.”

The barrier is comprised of an inductive fence that has been strengthened to protect Israel in the face of the current weekly-mob attacks. It is similar in its function to the barrier on the Egyptian border and it weighs more than 20,000 tons.

This is the next phase in protecting the people of Israel. While the upper barrier is just one of the methods being used to work against the possible infiltrations of terrorists from Gaza.

תיעוד מגבול רצועת עזה: צה”ל החל בהקמת המכשול העילי – גדר בגובה שישה מטרים שאמורה למנוע חדירה לעבר שטח ישראל מעל פני הקרקע. פריסת המכשול החלה הבוקר מעל האזורים שבהם כבר הוקמה החומה התת קרקעית. בניית המכשול, 65 קילומטרים בסך הכל, צפוייה להסתיים לקראת סוף השנה @bokeralmog pic.twitter.com/pAlUtOl9VE

— החדשות 13 (@newsisrael13) February 3, 2019

Over the weekend, we began building the above-ground barrier along the Gaza border. The barrier will prevent terrorists from Gaza from penetrating into our territory on the ground. If the quiet is not maintained in Gaza, we will not hesitate to act. pic.twitter.com/vmQWT8g3ZW

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) February 3, 2019

We are not the only ones who understand the importance of barriers for the sake of peace and national security. While this has become political by both sides, common sense must prevail. Every country must change with the times in the name of securing its citizens and laws. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/hY03ghHT8H

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 3, 2019

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)