Hi °C | Lo °C
ISRAEL is to build a 43-mile security fence along the armistice line of the Golan Heights to prevent incursions by Islamist militants fighting the Assad regime in Syria.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the plan four days after a barrier to keep out illegal African migrants was erected along the border with Egypt.
"We know that on the other side of our border with Syria today, the Syrian army has backed off, and global jihad operatives have taken its place," Mr Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting.
"We must therefore protect this border from infiltrations and terror."
He reiterated fears over chemical weapons falling into the hands of Islamist groups.
Building a barrier in the Golan Heights would consolidate Israel's hold on territory it annexed from Syria in 1981 in a move that has never been internationally recognised.
Mr Netanyahu said that returning the territory would turn it into " Iran's front lines which will threaten the whole state of Israel". (© Daily Telegraph, London)
Irish Independent
