The Society for the Preservation of Nature in Israel has called on the Defense Ministry not to begin construction of the security fence in the Har Gilo area, southwest of Jerusalem, because of damage to the environment that will result. The group called on the government to examine other sites for construction of the fence, which it said would have a negative impact on a nature reserve and archaeological treasures in the area, and would prevent construction of a large park planned for the area.
The Ministry said that other sites proposed for construction violated various High Court decisions, and that according to its estimates, the impact on the environment would be minimal.