The anti-terrorism fence will run less than 200 meters away from Mevaseret Zion. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz last night gave his final approval to most of the partition's new route north and west of Jerusalem. The new route was designed to replace one planned last year by the Defense Ministry, as the Supreme Court ruled last month that the security dangers it comes to address do not outweigh the hardships it causes to many Arab residents.
The new route, which must still be approved by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, is very close to the Green Line in many places. The Green Line marks the separation between pre-1967 Israel and Judea/Samaria.
Ten points along the route are still questionable, and Mofaz ordered the planners to continue to work on them. The route is to take into consideration three principles: leaving as many Arab residents connected to as many of their fields as possible; avoiding security risks; and avoiding harm to natural resources.
Minister Mofaz said he believes that the new route meets the criteria set by the Supreme Court. The Court ruled on June 30, "A new route must be found, even if it meets to a lesser extent the security needs - as long as the local Palestinians are harmed less."
The new route, which must still be approved by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, is very close to the Green Line in many places. The Green Line marks the separation between pre-1967 Israel and Judea/Samaria.
Ten points along the route are still questionable, and Mofaz ordered the planners to continue to work on them. The route is to take into consideration three principles: leaving as many Arab residents connected to as many of their fields as possible; avoiding security risks; and avoiding harm to natural resources.
Minister Mofaz said he believes that the new route meets the criteria set by the Supreme Court. The Court ruled on June 30, "A new route must be found, even if it meets to a lesser extent the security needs - as long as the local Palestinians are harmed less."