The Israeli Defense Department Minesweeping Authority has begun a project to rid the area of Eilat of landmines placed near the city, claiming they are not necessary for Israel's security anymore.

According to reports in the daily "YIsrael Hayom", the mines were placed in the area in the sixties and seventies. The minefields surround the city  as well as Israel Electric Company and Water Authority installations along the Arava road.  Over 10,000 mines are estimated to be hidden in the clearly-marked minefields.