Defense officials told settlers on Monday that it is likely the security fence would be constructed in the Judean Desert, despite environmental concerns.
Environmentalists and settlers have created a joint effort to persuade the Defense Ministry to find an alternative to the security fence in the region. They argued that the security fence would scar the landscape, harm wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem of the area.
Initially, the Defense Ministry agreed to halt work there and explore other options to secure the area. Defense Minister Amir Peretz was still not convinced of the alternative options and believed the security fence to be the best plan.
“We are working on finding a solution that will not harm the wildlife or the environment but will at the same time provide the necessary protection against Palestinian terrorists,” said a source in the Central Command.
Peretz's decision came after a number of Knesset members asked him to suspend the construction.
The Defense Ministry is still looking into the matter.