Israel Starts Fence Upgrades After October 7 Lessons

Israel's Defense Ministry started construction in November to upgrade the security fence along the Gaza Strip, applying tactical lessons from the October 7 attack and the conflict with Hezbollah. The Borders and Seam Directorate, led by Maj.-Gen. Eran Ofir, is directing the project, which targets five specific areas for improvement to the barrier known as Hourglass.

Engineering crews are strengthening gates along the border between Israeli and Palestinian territory. These modifications aim to make the gates more resistant to breaches while maintaining access routes for military forces in the northern and southern brigade sectors of the Gaza Division. Additionally, secured openings are being installed to allow troops to cross from one side of the fence to the other with greater speed.

Technical teams are assessing terrain and geographical conditions to adapt the infrastructure for winter. Seasonal streams in the area create risks of flooding and soil erosion that could damage the fence. The current engineering preparations are designed to mitigate these environmental threats before the cold months set in.

The project includes the introduction of new technologies and operational methods to counter threats flying at very low altitudes, with a focus on fiber-optic drones. Hezbollah utilized these drones against Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, creating defensive challenges during the war. Similar counter-drone technology is expected to be deployed along Israel's other borders, particularly the frontier with Lebanon.

The fifth component involves preparing to integrate advanced intelligence-gathering systems. These tools are intended to enhance early warnings for various threats and improve overall security around the border.

The Hourglass fence, which spans 64 kilometers, faced criticism after attackers breached it at dozens of points on October 7, allowing thousands of terrorists into Israeli territory. Originally modeled on the barrier at the Egyptian border, the structure was designed to delineate the boundary, slow infiltration, and use technological systems to warn of incursions. General Staff investigations concluded that the fence performed its intended role, but changing border conditions necessitated the current upgrades.

Post-attack investigations revealed that Hamas had tested various explosive devices against the fence prior to the assault to determine how to break through it. Southern Command failed to identify these tests as preparations for a major offensive and did not share the details with the Borders and Seam Directorate.