The “Metatron” project involves the construction of an underground corridor connecting the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, enabling the free movement of Palestinians within the future state and eliminating the need for transit through Israeli territory. This infrastructure solution aims to strengthen the connection between the regions and support economic development, while maintaining Israel’s full security.

Technical Parameters of the Tunnel

• Length: approximately 45-50 km, with guaranteed placement of exits within the Gaza Strip and the West Bank no closer than 5 km from the Metatron Wall
• Construction: two separate tunnels
  • Tunnel for vehicles: diameter 14 m (four-lane road with two lanes in each direction and pedestrian evacuation zones).
  • Tunnel for railway: diameter 15 m (railway tracks and pedestrian evacuation zones).
  • Distance between the tunnels: 2 m to ensure safe operation.
• Depth: 50-70 m underground

Project Cost Estimate

• Tunnel construction (similar to Eurotunnel):
  • The construction of the tunnel is expected to cost approximately $50-70 million per km.
  • For two tunnels with a length of 45-50 km, the total construction cost will range from $4.5 to $7 billion.
• Security systems and control points:
  • $300-500 million.
• Expected operating and maintenance costs over 20 years:
  • $1-1.5 billion.

The project requires significant investment; however, its implementation will provide a strategic connection between the West Bank and Gaza, facilitating the development of trade and transport flows and enhancing the economic stability of the region.

Engineering Solutions and Innovations

The project envisages the use of modern technologies for the construction and operation of the tunnel. It includes solutions such as multilayered reinforced structures, technologies to ensure the tunnel’s airtightness, and protection against emergency situations. The tunnel will be equipped with monitoring systems, including ground-penetrating radar scanners, sensors for monitoring the condition of the structures, and regular inspections for damage or threats.

In addition, an important aspect is the energy independence of the tunnel, including the use of solar panels and wind turbines for autonomous powering of ventilation and lighting systems.

Political and Social Implications

The construction of the tunnel will have far-reaching political consequences for the region. This decision will significantly improve infrastructure and connections within Palestine, but it will also contribute to strengthening security and stability on the Israeli side. However, the project will require addressing complex diplomatic issues, such as international recognition and agreement on security terms with neighboring countries and global powers.

Additionally, the project will help create jobs and improve the economic conditions in the region, as well as serve as a foundation for further social and cultural exchange between different parts of Palestine.

Environmental and Sustainable Solutions

The project also considers the importance of adhering to environmental standards. The construction of the tunnel will be carried out with minimal impact on the region’s ecosystem. All work will be carefully planned to avoid disrupting the natural balance, and monitoring systems will include environmental sensors to monitor soil and groundwater conditions.

Conclusion

The “Metatron” project is a strategically significant and comprehensive solution for establishing a connection between Gaza and the West Bank, eliminating the need for transit through Israel. Its implementation requires substantial investment, but it has the potential to become a milestone in the region’s development. It will also create opportunities for international cooperation and investment, especially in the fields of infrastructure and ecology.

Ensuring Israel’s Security Against Tunnel-Related Threats

If the tunnel between the West Bank and Gaza is used for attacks, Israel must implement a comprehensive set of measures on the surface aimed at preventing incursions, attacks, and sabotage.

Main Threats and Prevention Measures

• Infiltration of militants into Israel via the tunnel
• Transportation of weapons and contraband
• Attempts to use the tunnel for attacks
• Sabotage or damage to the tunnel

Engineering and Security Solutions

The proposed security measures for the tunnel are a set of recommendations that the Palestinian side should undertake to protect the infrastructure from various threats. These measures include both engineering solutions and security systems aimed at preventing the infiltration of militants, sabotage, or other forms of attack. All measures outlined in this section must be implemented on Palestinian territory, where the tunnel’s entrance and exit will be located.

Israel is ready to provide technological support, including highly effective monitoring and security systems, as well as deploy specialists to assist in the implementation of these measures. However, any actions involving Israeli technologies or specialists can only be carried out with mutual consent and upon an official invitation from the Palestinian side. This guarantees respect for the sovereignty and independence of Palestinian territory, as well as fosters the creation of an effective and safe cooperation mechanism.

• Control Zones at the Entrances and Exits
  • Placement of multi-level terminals with biometric identification, baggage scanners, and vehicle inspection systems.
  • Automatic blocking gates to prevent unauthorized access.
• Automated Control Inside the Tunnel
  • Full video surveillance with an AI-based behavior analysis system for monitoring events and detecting abnormal activities.
  • Tunnel scanning system to identify inconsistencies (e.g., wall ruptures, explosives).
• Isolated Technical Compartments
  • Technical compartments, located every 3000 meters, are designed to house equipment for monitoring and maintenance of the tunnel.
  • Access to these compartments is restricted and granted only to authorized personnel, such as security and technical specialists, to carry out maintenance, repair, and monitoring of the tunnel’s condition.
• Protective and Emergency Systems
  • Physical barriers and emergency closures of the tunnel.
  • Multilayered steel gates are installed every 5 km, which automatically lock in case of an alert.
  • Ability to completely flood/seal sections of the tunnel in case of a breach attempt.
• Detectors and Sensors
  • Underground motion and acoustic analysis sensors to detect unusual vibrations, digging, and sounds.
    Infrared and thermal sensors to detect suspicious activities.
• Military Security Measures
  • Rapid-response military reserve.
  • Bases at both ends of the tunnel with readiness to block the tunnel in case of emergencies.
  • Underground patrols with robotic reconnaissance units to monitor and patrol the tunnel.

Engineering Measures on the Surface

The following proposed engineering and security measures to protect the tunnel from threats originating from the Palestinian side constitute a series of actions that the Israeli side must undertake. These measures are aimed at preventing potential attacks, infiltration, and sabotage, as well as ensuring the full security of Israeli territory in the event the tunnel is used for criminal activities.

The key measures proposed for implementation by Israel include the creation and maintenance of a dead zone along the entire length of the tunnel, the establishment of multilayered protective structures, and the use of innovative technologies for monitoring and analyzing the situation around the tunnel. Ground-penetrating radar and acoustic monitoring systems will provide continuous control over the soil condition and potential tunneling attempts, while gas and pressure detectors will help promptly identify any attempts at sabotage or infiltration.

In addition, Israel will ensure access control and regular inspection of the area using military police, drones, and other automated security systems. These measures will be integrated with a rapid-response system to assist in the event of an emergency.

• “Dead Zone” Above the Tunnel
  • Creation of a safety zone along the entire length of the tunnel.
  • The width of the zone is 1-3 km, with a complete ban on construction and agricultural activities.
  • Access control using military police and drones.
• Multilayered Soil Control
  • Regular ground-penetrating radar scans to detect new tunneling attempts.
  • An acoustic monitoring system to detect unusual vibrations.
• Reinforced Tunnel Protection Structures
  • The depth of the tunnel is no less than 70 meters, deeper than standard terrorist tunnels.
  • Multilayered reinforcement and blast-resistant chambers every 500 meters.
  • Gas and pressure detectors to identify attempts to undermine or infiltrate by militants.

Military Measures on the Surface

• Total Control System
  • Continuous satellite surveillance (resolution 30 cm).
  • Automated reconnaissance drones for patrolling.
  • Underground and surface sensors (thermal imaging, seismographs).
• Rapid Threat Mitigation Combat Systems
  • Operational checkpoints of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) are every 5 km.
  • Deployment of mobile missile defense systems (Iron Dome + laser complexes).
  • Automated firing points with AI-based target recognition.
• Emergency Blockage Measures
  • In the event of an attack attempt, the tunnel can be flooded or filled with gas.
  • Explosive charges along the entire length for immediate collapse.

Political and Legal Measures

• International Legitimacy
  • Establishment of the right to destroy the tunnel in case of a threat.
  • Strict international agreements on tunnel inspections.

All proposed measures are mandatory for implementation on the Israeli side, with a focus on ensuring the security of the State of Israel and preventing potential threats. These measures will be part of an overall security plan that will be developed and agreed upon in cooperation with the Palestinian side.