Israel Puts Up Anit-ISIS Wall Along Jordanian Border

Israel is taking steps to wall itself off from its neighbours. Its Security Cabinet drew up a proposal to build an 18-mile-long fence along its eastern border with Jordan. It will be 16 feet high, to prevent Islamist extremists and migrants, from the southern port city of Eilat to Timna, according to nbcnews.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the fence "vital to national security".

While its border with Jordan is its final Israeli frontier that is open to foreigners, its borders with Egypt, Syria and Lebanon are fenced off.

There are concerns that the Jordanians near the border will be attacked. "The infiltrators could be illegal workers but they could also be terrorists who will carry out attacks."

"The Bedouins rule that area, [but] because of economic reasons that include poverty and unemployment there is danger that ISIS will be able to infiltrate," said Oded Eran, a former Israeli Ambassador to Jordan. "A lot of countries like Israel understand the only way to seal off their border is by installing a system of fences."

The wall, as well as Timna airport, were encouraged by the Israeli citizens. As the wall is expected to become part of the country's "southern aerial gateway", some fear that the airport could become the main target for those crossing the border.

Even as the Israeli residents were happy with the move, they have voiced one request: "We would like to think that the environment has no borders ... so we want the fence to be painted in colors that match and blend into the Arava desert."

This fence will be somewhat like the high-tech barrier cutting off Israel from Egypt - a 5-foot-high fence with surveillance cameras, razor wire and electronic detection.

The security forces from Jordan have a strong security along the border, in which security fences have been damaged by sandstorms and flooding.

"There is a real threat that whoever wants to cross from Jordan will find a way to infiltrate Israel," said Udi Gat, chairman of the Eilot regional council. "The infiltrators could be illegal workers but they could also be terrorists who will carry out attacks here."

He added: "In the long run, our wish would be to break down the fence and live peacefully with our neighbors, but we understand that in the meantime the reality is different and that the fence is needed."