A tale of two fences, one real, one contemplated

updated 4:48 p.m. ET May 18, 2006

JERUSALEM - America can look to Israel as a valuable test case as it contemplates construction of a fence along the Mexican border.

The Jewish state is largely achieving its goal of keeping out Palestinian suicide bombers through a sprawling complex of fences, electric sensors and concrete slabs that snake in and out of the West Bank. But building the barrier has been a gut-wrenching process, fraught with political and diplomatic hurdles, that has worsened Israel’s relations with its neighbors.

To be sure, there are key differences. Most important, the Israeli structure frequently juts into territory claimed by the Palestinians. The American fence would run along a recognized border.

Yet Mexican reaction to the U.S. plan sounded strikingly similar to long-standing Palestinian complaints that the solution is cruel, humiliating and fails to address deeper problems straining relations.

“I don’t think there is any parallel here because the U.S. does not occupy Mexican territory,” said Palestinian lawmaker Saeb Erekat, who has led past peace negotiations. “That said, concrete walls and fences will not make good neighbors. Trust, mutual cooperation and understanding are the fences that make good neighbors.”

Israel's fence to be done in 2008
Israel began construction of the barrier in 2002, at the height of a wave of suicide bombings. The Defense Ministry says about half the 470-mile structure has been built, and it expects to complete work in 2008, depending on ongoing court challenges.

Almost all of the barrier consists of 10-foot-high electronically monitored fences sandwiched between patrol roads, razor wire and ditches. The remainder, about 5 percent, is made of huge concrete slabs roughly 25 feet tall. The barrier is dotted with watchtowers and checkpoints where people can pass.

President Bush envisions a comparable structure involving motion sensors, infrared cameras and unmanned drones flying above. The White House said Thursday that Bush supports a 370-mile barrier to seal off popular crossing points, though lawmakers have approved a bill allowing 700 miles of fencing.

U.S. and Israeli officials said they were unaware of any plans for Israel to offer advice or bid for contracts to build the American fence, though that could change.

Throughout history, fences have provided a simple solution for dividing people. The Berlin Wall was perhaps the most famous example, before it was taken down in 1989. Cyprus and Belfast are among other modern-day hotspots where populations have been divided.

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