(JNS and combined sources) After three-and-a-half years of construction, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday, Dec. 7, the completion of a 65-kilometer (40-mile) underground and overground border “smart” barrier with the Gaza Strip.

The defense barrier is comprised of several elements that complement each other, including an underground component with sensors to detect digging of tunnels; an above-ground “smart” fence over 6 meters high; a naval barrier to prevent infiltrations and incursions from the sea; a remotely controlled weapon system; and an array of radar systems, cameras and command-and-control rooms to prevent infiltrations from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory.

The project, which was initiated and promoted by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was planned and built jointly by the Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces.