Israel upgrades Gaza border fence with new tech
Work began in October to reinforce the barrier with lessons from the war and the October 7 attack.
By Wyatt Cooper ·
The Israeli Defense Ministry's Borders and Seam Directorate started installing new technology and infrastructure along the Gaza border in October. Maj.-Gen. Eran Ofir commands the unit, which is applying lessons learned from the October 7 attack and the conflict with Hezbollah.
The first phase of the upgrade focuses on reinforcing gates along the international border. These gates separate Israeli territory from Palestinian territory. The goal is to make them harder to breach while still allowing military forces to pass through. This work is taking place in the southern and northern brigade sectors of the Gaza Division.
Engineering teams are also analyzing the terrain and geographical conditions along the border. They are carrying out specific work ahead of the winter months. The area is prone to soil erosion and flooding from seasonal streams, which can damage the fence structure.
A third component of the plan includes installing secured openings. These will allow military forces to move quickly from one side of the fence to the other. The fourth upgrade involves integrating technologies to counter threats operating at very low altitudes. This specifically targets fiber-optic drones.
Hezbollah used such drones against IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon. At the height of the war, these devices became a major defensive challenge. Similar technology is expected to be implemented along Israel's other borders, particularly the border with Lebanon. The fifth upgrade includes preparations for integrating advanced intelligence-gathering systems. These systems aim to improve early warning capabilities against various threats.
The 'Hourglass' fence faced criticism after the October 7 attack. It was breached at dozens of locations along the 64-kilometer Gaza border. This allowed thousands of terrorists to infiltrate Israeli territory. The fence was originally designed to mark the border, delay infiltration attempts, and provide warnings. It was not designed to be impassable.
General Staff investigations found that the fence fulfilled its intended purpose. However, the decision was made to upgrade it given changing conditions along Israel's borders. Investigations also revealed that Hamas carried out tests using various explosive devices along the fence before the attack. Southern Command did not inform the Borders and Seam Directorate of these activities.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
