Israel has launched a major strategic project, beginning construction on a new 500-kilometer "smart" security barrier along its eastern border, designed to drastically curb arms smuggling and counter the growing threat from Iran and its proxies.

Work commenced Monday, on a new, extensive security barrier along Israel's eastern border, an initiative championed by Defense Minister Israel Katz. This massive undertaking, managed by the Borders Directorate in conjunction with the Ministry of Defense Engineering Division and the IDF, is designed to enhance national security against both immediate and long-term threats.

The initial phase of the project will focus on crucial valley areas, covering approximately 80 kilometers. Planning for the subsequent segments is already underway, formulating the overall defense layout for the border which stretches from the southern Golan Heights all the way down to the Samar region near Eilat.