Elbit Systems is constructing the new sophisticated border between Israel and Syria, described as among the most advanced in existence today. Officials in Israel explain the decision to move ahead with the 250 million NIS border detection system is not the result of the growing civil war in Syria, explaining the decision was made last year when Israel decided the government of Bashar al-Assad is not as stable as that of his father, Hafez al-Assad. Israeli concerns focus around the growing popularity of the Global Jihad and the accompanying realities, realizing more must be done to secure Israel’s northern border.

Nine kilometers (5.4 miles) of smart fence was already put in place in 2012. The landmines along the border are also being serviced. Security officials hope the new high-tech border will be completed by mid-2013, running the entire 60km (36 miles) of border.

According to officials the new border fence will be the only one of its kind, using infrared and scanners, constantly sending computerized data back to a command center. The sophisticated software will be capable of detecting any abnormality along the border and send reports to the command center in real time. The reports will include detailed weather conditions, which is particularly relevant for the Golan Heights area during winter months. The new high-tech border will replace many IDF personnel that would have to operate along the border.

Ironically, the Syrian border has been the quietest since the end of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and today, it presents the most challenging concerns for the defense and intelligence communities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)