Israel to build wall along Egyptian border

Israel has approved plans to erect a wall along part of its southern border with Egypt, a project that will cost at least $270 million dollars.

Benyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said in a statement on Sunday that the wall is a "strategic decision to ensure the Jewish and democratic character of the state of Israel."

However, Palestinians believe the new barrier is another example of Israeli land grab.

Israeli police estimate that 100 to 200 people infiltrate Israeli's 210-kilometer southern border every week while a large majority of those are refugees from northern Africa illegaly crossing the border.

Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland reports from Jerusalem.

Jan 11, 2010

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