By ANN Staff Writer
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have added a green strategy to their mortar and anti-tank missile defense arsenal. They are planting trees to create a buffer between the Gaza Strip and nearby southern Israeli communities in a project called Forest Security.
“We are planting trees that will grow and provide cover,” said Lt. Col. Ilan Dayan, IDF Commander of Territorial Defense in the Gaza Division. “A person firing an anti-tank missile needs a line of sight to the target. If he doesn’t have one, he has a serious problem.”
With a defense system like Forest Security in place, incoming missile attacks from Gaza, like the one that killed 16-year-old Daniel Wilpick when it struck a school bus traveling through Israel’s southern desert region, Sha’ar Hanegev, on April 27, 2011, can be thwarted.
“The recent use of anti-tank fire was unusual,” conceded Dayan. “It’s something we considered a threat, however the attack on the school bus crossed every line.”
As “green” security is still under development, the spokesperson for the IDF declined to elaborate on details of the $2 million USD program such as the type of trees being planted and how long it will take for the defense strategy to become operational and effective.
The IDF has since given some insights into details of the program. The Jewish National Fund will be joining the effort with the planting of 12 kilometers of eucalyptus trees, according to an IDF announcement on May 12, 2011.
Drought resistant eucalyptus trees grow tall and fast, reaching eight meters in less than five years. The green shield is expected to reach adequate heights in two year’s time.
Copyright © 2011 Acts News Network.