TEL AVIV, December 8, 2011 (WAFA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new plan to deal with illegal work infiltrators to Israel, which will be submitted for cabinet approval on Sunday, according to Netanyahu’s spokesman to the Arab media, Ofir Gendelman.   

In a press conference, Gendelman said the plan, which will deal with those who enter Israel illegally to obtain work, will cost around NIS 630 million (US$168 million) which will be added to another NIS 1.5 billion ($0.4 billion) originally allocated to deal with this issue.

The plan will include several stages executed serially, such as the 180 kilometer Egypt-Eilat border fence, of which a 70-kilometer section has already been completed, and which will cost around NIS 280 million ($75 million) in total.

He said, “The fence is expected to be completed in less than one year, and it will be a physical barrier for 240 kilometers, from Kerem Shalom [Karam Abu Salim crossing] to Taba, which will impede the entry of illegal work infiltrators.”

The plan will also include expanding Naqab prison, which currently holds 2,200 places, to absorb 5,500, which will enable Israel to imprison illegal work infiltrators for extended periods, he added.

Gendelman said that “fines against those employing illegal infiltrators will be significantly increased; in certain cases, businesses may be closed.”

He said that “illegal infiltrators will be transferred to a new housing center when it is built; 250 million shekels will be allocated for this purpose. At the center, infiltrators who cannot be returned to their country of origin or to a third country will be provided with all of their basic needs: lodging, food and health services. An additional 100 million shekels will be allocated to operate and maintain the center.”

M.H./F.J.