Israel wants barrier tourism

2004-07-16 13:00

Jerusalem - Tourists should visit the barrier Israel is building in the West Bank to learn about the country's security concerns, according to newly appointed Tourism Minister Gideon Ezra.

"The security fence needs to be added to tour routes for incoming tourists," Ezra told the English-language Jerusalem Post paper, adding that visitors needed "every tool to understand the nation's security problems".

Ezra, who was appointed after his predecessor Benny Elon was fired for opposing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw unilaterally from the Gaza Strip, said he expected 1.4 million foreign visitors in 2004.

The four-year-old intifada, or Palestinian uprising, has left Israel's usually booming tourism industry in tatters as potential visitors are deterred by the ongoing violence.

Ezra said his ministry planned to deliver a certificate of pilgrimage to tourists, especially Jewish visitors.

"They must come away knowing that Israel continues to grow and live to the fullest despite the terrorist attacks," he said.

The 700-kilometre separation barrier Israel is building in the West Bank was branded illegal by the International Court of Justice last week.

The world court said the barrier, a third of which has been completed, should be torn down in places where it juts into Palestinian land.

The non-binding, advisory opinion is slated to be debated at the UN General Assembly later on Friday.

- AFP