The security fence does not annex any territory to Israel, nor does it change the status of any Palestinian lands, writes David Golding.
There is a remarkable amount of hyperbole surrounding the construction of Israel's security fence. For example only 5 per cent of the barrier that Israel is building is a wall and then only in areas along the pre-1967 line where strict security needs dictate its use (such as where a Palestinian centre of terrorism is located directly next to an Israeli town or highway). In reality, almost the entire security fence consists of a chain-link fence, supported by high-tech and other intruder prevention systems.
Over the past three years, 903 Israelis have been killed and thousands more injured in terrorist attacks. A large majority of these attacks - in particular suicide bombings - have originated in the West Bank. Currently, there is no continuous physical barrier between West Bank centres of terrorism and Israel centres of population, many of which are located only a short walking distance apart.
Israel is building the security fence in order to stop the terrorist attacks that have taken so many lives and gravely damaged the search for peace. The fence is a defensive measure, designed to prevent the infiltration of terrorists, their weapons and explosives. It is the duty of every government to protect the lives of its citizens. To deny Israel the right to employ an important preventive tool such as the security fence is to deny Israel its basic right of self-defence.
Moreover, none of the agreements between Israel and the Palestinians (nor the recent "roadmap" initiative) restrict the use of defensive measures. Rather, it is the use of terrorism that violates both international law and the agreements. Until the Palestinian leadership lives up to its commitments to stop terrorism, Israel has a right to take those steps necessary to protect its citizens.
The security fence does not delineate a border of any kind, nor does it create any permanent facts on the ground.
The establishment of borders is a matter reserved for negotiations between the sides. The route of the fence can be changed, if so agreed upon, in the framework of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
The path of the fence was chosen, first and foremost, with security and topographical considerations in mind. It is designed to place a barrier between terrorists and their targets. It is hoped that by reducing terrorism, the fence will contribute to efforts to achieve peace.
In determining the route, no preference was given to using land in the West Bank itself and where possible, the fence is being constructed within Israel's pre-1967 lines. However, the territory of the West Bank is usually on higher ground than that of adjacent lands, thereby providing a strong tactical advantage. Other considerations include the tactical needs of the security forces, whose mission it is to prevent infiltrations.
The fence does not annex any territory to Israel, nor does it change the status of any Palestinian lands. Priority is given to the use of public lands. No privately owned land has been expropriated, while in those areas where the use of private property is necessary, the owner is compensated for its usage and retains legal title.
Alongside its efforts to ensure the security of its citizens, Israel attaches considerable importance to the interests of Palestinian residents. Every effort has been made to cause minimal disruption to the daily lives of the local population.
The route of the fence will give most Palestinians easy access to their commercial and other centres of daily life. Only three Palestinian villages will be included on the fence's western side. The residents of these villages will not have to relocate and their legal status will remain unchanged.
Additionally, crossing points (similar to airport terminals) are being built to ease the transit of people across the security fence, and five terminals will be established for the transport of goods.
Dozens of special gates have been set up to allow the passage of farmers to their fields, while orchards affected by construction of the fence are being replanted in more accessible areas.
The Palestinians are waging a campaign to delegitimise Israel's construction of the security fence. Emotionally loaded terms, such as "apartheid", have been used to describe the fence, despite their factual and historic inaccuracy. The fence is not intended to separate people according to their race or religion; rather it will allow both Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in peace, free from the conflict caused by terrorism.
The Palestinian campaign endeavours to blame Israel for acting to prevent terrorist attacks while ignoring the threat terrorism poses to innocent Israeli civilians.
There would have been no need for the costly security fence had the Palestinian Authority lived up to its commitments and stopped the terrorism.
Since terrorism has been the greatest obstacle to peace, it is hoped that by preventing attacks, the security fence will contribute to efforts to achieve the long-hoped-for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbours.
David Golding is press officer to the Israel Embassy