Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to build a new border wall along the country’s eastern border with Jordan in an effort to prevent the entry of migrant “infiltrators.” Netanyahu referenced the success of a previous border fence on the southern border with Egypt, claiming that it effectively stopped over a million African infiltrators from entering the country. He emphasized the need to protect the nation by building a fence on the eastern border to prevent infiltration from Jordan.
Netanyahu’s statement came after a violent riot in Tel Aviv involving Eritrean migrants over the weekend. In response to the incident, he called for his cabinet ministers to develop new plans for deporting not only the individuals involved in the violence but also other African migrants residing in the country. The Israeli government considers most African asylum seekers to be illegal infiltrators and denies their refugee status. The country currently has around 25,000 migrants, including 18,000 from Eritrea, many of whom entered Israel illegally through Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
The completion of a southern border wall in December 2013 led to a significant reduction in illegal immigration into Israel. Netanyahu pledges to protect the borders and the country, stating that the government will take harsh measures against rival groups of Eritrean migrants involved in the Tel Aviv brawl.
The new border wall project will extend the existing 21-mile barrier between southern Israel and Jordan, which was completed in May 2018. It underscores the government’s determination to secure the country’s borders and manage the influx of migrants.
In response to Netanyahu’s announcement, there has been both support and criticism. Supporters argue that the border wall is a necessary measure to protect the country’s security and maintain its demographic balance. They believe that it will help prevent illegal immigration and potential threats to national security.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that the wall is fueled by racist sentiments and will only further marginalize and discriminate against African asylum seekers. They believe that the government should focus on implementing humane asylum policies and improving the integration process for migrants already in the country.
The construction of border walls to manage migration has been a contentious issue globally, with various countries implementing similar measures. Proponents argue that they serve as an effective security tool, while opponents argue that they perpetuate a narrative of exclusion and disregard for human rights.
As the plans for the new border wall progress, it remains to be seen how it will impact the situation of African asylum seekers in Israel and whether it will effectively address the government’s concerns about infiltration and security. The issue of migration and asylum will continue to be a complex and pressing challenge for Israel and other countries around the world.
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