IDF, Defense Ministry work to patch gaps in West Bank security barrier

The Israel Defenses Forces and Defense Ministry have begun engineering work along the West Bank security barrier in order to close gaps used by Palestinians to enter Israel illegally, the military announces.

The army says it is fixing holes along dozens of kilometers of the fence and is digging trenches to prevent vehicles from crossing through the so-called “seam zone” area along the West Bank security barrier.

In addition, other efforts are being made to strengthen defenses along the barrier, the IDF says.

“‘Our task is to close the seam zone in a way that will not allow illegal passage,” IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi says from the scene. “We will continue to operate in any place, with any method, and to the extent necessary to thwart terror. In recent days, we have significantly strengthened the area with forces and engineering means in order to improve the barrier’s infrastructure.”

The army has sent another three heavy machinery companies and reservist troops from the IDF’s Combat Engineering Corp for these efforts, it says.