Wall

Introduction

The Metatron Project is not just an engineering structure. It is an ambitious, high-tech initiative aimed at ensuring Israel’s security through the creation of a defensive barrier, integrated with advanced technologies and protective systems. The Great Defensive Wall, as a conceptual element, is reminiscent of ancient fortifications such as the Great Wall of China or the Northern Wall of Westeros from the “Game of Thrones” series, but with the incorporation of modern technologies and needs. The goal of the project is to create an impenetrable physical and technological barrier capable of withstanding any threats, from tunnels to missile strikes, ensuring security for decades.

Justification

The primary justification for the implementation of the Metatron Project is the need to strengthen national security, especially in the context of regional instability and the growing threats from terrorist groups, as well as the increasing military activity in neighboring countries. The project aims to protect the citizens of Israel and its strategic assets from both external and internal threats. The wall serves as an essential part of a new security concept, combining physical protection with advanced technologies, creating a comprehensive security system.

The Metatron Project views the creation of the wall as a response to several key factors:

• Risks of invasion: Given the threats from terrorist organizations and neighboring countries such as Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and others, Israel’s security necessitates the use of cutting-edge technologies and highly effective engineering solutions.
• Tunnel protection: In recent years, the use of tunnels to infiltrate across borders has become a significant threat to Israel. The Metatron Project addresses these risks by integrating modern technologies for tunnel detection and elimination.
• Monitoring and control: The creation of a system that will effectively monitor all activities along the border using satellite technologies, drones, and sensors. This will ensure round-the-clock surveillance of any activity at the border.

The Metatron Project builds upon the best global practices in fortification and protective technologies, while taking into account the unique characteristics of the region and the specific challenges faced by Israel in the context of multifaceted threats. The wall is not only a physical barrier but also an active component integrated into the nation’s overall security system. It will create a powerful informational infrastructure, providing the border security services with real-time data across the entire border. This will significantly enhance security levels, transforming the approach to monitoring and response by utilizing advanced technologies to ensure prompt and precise protection.

Technical Parameters of the Wall

Length and Location

The total length of the wall is 1115 km, covering key sections of Israel’s border with Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The Metatron Project is divided into three functional segments, each with its own level of coordination:

• Green Zones: Segments along internationally recognized borders of Israel with Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. Construction in these areas can proceed without additional agreements, as long as all construction and environmental regulations are adhered to.
• Yellow Zones: Areas adjacent to the Gaza Strip and the border with Syria. These zones require additional coordination, including technical cooperation, humanitarian access, and consideration of the political sensitivities of the region.
• Red Zones: Segments along the border with the West Bank. Construction in these areas will require political agreements, including the resolution of potential territorial issues and diplomatic verification of the route.

The total length of the wall is 1115 km, consisting of:

• Green Zones: 657 km (58.9%)
• Yellow Zones: 106 km (9.5%)
• Red Zones: 352 km (31.6%)

It is important to note that these categories reflect the level of coordination required, not legal claims to the route. The details can be found in the Border section.

Height of the Wall

The height of the wall is one of the most critical characteristics of the project. To achieve optimal protection, the height has been set at 30 meters. This height makes the wall nearly impenetrable to most types of threats, including storming using climbing equipment, special vehicles with ladders, or even aviation.

• 30 meters significantly complicates any attempts at assault without the use of cranes or aerial support. 
• For more challenging sections, the height may be increased to 50 meters, which will provide additional strength; however, this comes with higher costs for reinforcement and construction materials.
• It is important to note that a height greater than 50 meters may lead to excessive sail-like effects on the structure, causing issues with wind load. The increased pressure may also impact the wall’s longevity, raising the risks of damage from strong winds and extreme weather conditions.

Depth of the Underground Section of the Wall

The depth of the underground section of the wall in the Metatron Project is set at 50–70 meters, offering several key advantages for ensuring the security and stability of the structure.

First, this depth significantly complicates tunneling attempts. To penetrate such soil layers, specialized technologies are required, making tunneling extremely difficult and costly. Even with the most advanced tunneling techniques, challenges arise at these depths, which makes the project more resistant to potential attacks involving tunnels.

Second, the soil at depths of 50–70 meters is more stable compared to the upper layers, reducing the impact of seismic activity. This enhances the seismic resilience of the wall, decreasing the risk of structural damage during earthquakes, which is particularly important for a region prone to seismic activity. The deeper soil layers provide additional protection from external impacts, such as earthquakes, and stabilize the wall’s structure.

Additionally, this depth is economically justified. The 50–70 meter range strikes an optimal balance in terms of construction and technical costs. Increasing the depth to 100 meters or more would require significant additional expenditures for drilling, wall reinforcement, and water management. Such costs would not provide a substantial increase in protection levels but would considerably raise the overall cost of the project.

Wall Thickness

The thickness of the wall in the Metatron Project has been chosen to be between 6–10 meters, as it strikes an optimal balance between strength, durability, and economic feasibility. This thickness ensures high protection against various threats, including mechanical impacts (such as missile strikes, rockets, and armored vehicles), tunneling attempts, and thermal effects, including the intense heat from missile strikes.

A wall thickness of 6–10 meters provides sufficient structural integrity to withstand damage, while avoiding the excessive cost burden that would result from thicker walls. It also minimizes the risk of damage during operation and allows for the integration of modern monitoring and protective systems, such as air defense systems and drone patrols. Therefore, the selected thickness ensures both longevity and a high level of security at a reasonable cost.

Modern Engineering Solutions

The Metatron Project integrates cutting-edge technologies and systems to ensure both security and operational efficiency.

• Protection Against Tunneling:
  • Seismic sensors and infrared cameras for monitoring underground activity.
  • Tunnel elimination system, including automatic flooding or injection of quick-setting concrete in the event of detecting subterranean intrusion.
• Intrusion Protection:
  • Automated machine gun turrets with AI (similar to Rafael Sentry-Tech) for protection against ground threats.
  • Iron Beam laser systems – designed to destroy drones and missiles using high-tech lasers.
  • Radar complexes for remote detection of threats up to 50 km away.
• Surveillance and Monitoring:
  • Use of drone patrols with AI for continuous monitoring.
  • Satellite surveillance and thermal imaging systems for round-the-clock monitoring of the wall’s condition.
  • Satellite-based machine learning systems for analyzing data collected from various sources.
• Cybersecurity and Autonomy:
  • A protected digital network, similar to IDF Cyber Defense levels, to safeguard all technological systems of the wall from cyberattacks.
  • Redundant power sources, including solar panels and nuclear micro-reactors, ensure autonomy and energy independence.
  • Robotic repair stations for rapid restoration of damaged sections.

Ecology

The Metatron Project adopts a comprehensive approach to environmental protection, integrating advanced ecological technologies and sustainable engineering solutions at all stages of construction. Key technologies include:

• Eco-Passages and Wildlife Corridors:
  • A system of bio-eco passages and underground tunnels ensures the safe movement of wildlife through the wall.
• Energy Supply:
  • The installation of solar panels and wind turbines to power monitoring and control systems autonomously, minimizing the environmental impact.
• Lighting and Thermal Impact Control:
  • The use of infrared sensors and passive cooling methods to reduce light pollution and thermal impact on the surrounding environment.
• Waste Management and Sustainability:
  • Strict regulations for waste sorting, emission control, and the use of recycled materials during both construction and operation.
• Environmental Monitoring:
  • Ongoing monitoring of the project’s environmental impact, in partnership with scientific and ecological organizations such as the Weizmann Institute, SPNI, and WWF.

Thus, the Metatron Project is focused on minimizing ecological impact by combining innovative solutions with the highest standards of sustainable construction.

Implementation Stages

The Metatron Project will be carried out in four main construction phases, each aimed at building a robust and reliable security system tailored to the unique threats posed by different sections of the border. This phased approach allows for the effective integration of technologies and architectural solutions, taking into account the specifics of each region.

Experimental Section on the Southern Border with Egypt

The initial section, 10 km long, running through areas near the towns of Kfar-Nitsana and Nahal Tzihor, will be completed within the first two years of the project. This section will serve as an experimental zone for testing and validating all technologies and construction solutions. It will provide an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the protection system, including underground defenses, seismic sensors, and the integration of high-tech monitoring systems. This area will allow the project to be adapted to real-world conditions, identify potential challenges, and adjust the approaches for subsequent construction phases.

Construction Along Internationally Recognized Borders

In this phase, the section along Israel’s internationally recognized borders, including with Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon, will be built. These sections, labeled as “green zones”, will be characterized by a high level of security and will be less prone to external political disputes. At the same time, a critical yellow zone will be constructed along the border with Gaza, a segment with increased security requirements. This will allow for the rapid addressing of key security threats in this region and reinforce control over the most vulnerable points.

Yellow Zones Along the Border with Syria

These areas will be characterized by more complex geopolitical risks, requiring additional layers of protection. The height and strength of the structure in these zones will vary depending on the level of threat, ensuring effective responses to different risks.

Red Zones Requiring Additional Political Resolution

Finally, the project includes the construction of the wall along red zones, which will require further political and diplomatic resolution. These zones are located in areas with the highest level of uncertainty, both in terms of security and international agreements. A more flexible approach will be necessary in these areas, accounting for internal political complexities and external challenges. Construction in these zones will be planned with consideration for potential changes in international politics and based on a thorough analysis of risks.

Thus, each stage of the Metatron Project will be carefully tailored to the real threats and characteristics of each region, ensuring the creation of a strong and effective security system along the entire border of Israel.

International Expertise

To enhance the legitimacy of the project and minimize political risks, a crucial step will be the conduct of an international expertise of the wall’s section. The expertise will confirm that the project aligns with international norms and does not violate existing borders. The international expertise process can be divided into several stages:

• Goal of the Expertise: To obtain independent confirmation that the section of the wall:
  • Is located within the recognized borders of Israel.
  • Does not violate international borders or agreements.
  • Is based on the 1949 Armistice Line.
• Format of the Expertise:
  • Academic (Cartographic): Independent geodetic reports from organizations such as Hebrew University or the Geneva Institute of Geopolitics.
  • Legal Expertise: Consultants and lawyers specializing in international borders, supporting the project at international forums.
  • Technical (GIS/Satellite): Use of satellite data to confirm compliance with the 1949 Armistice Line.
  • International Organizations: If necessary, organizations such as UNTSO or ICJ can be involved for more formal conclusions.
• Step-by-Step Procedure:
  • Fixing Coordinates: Gathering historical maps and satellite images.
  • Partnering with Authoritative Organizations: Engaging organizations like the Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ), UNITAR – UNOSAT, and others.
  • Requesting Expertise: Seeking a determination of whether the selected section complies with international norms.
• Cost of Expertise:
  • Academic Expertise (without fieldwork): $2,000–$5,000.
  • Technical Expertise (with fieldwork and satellites): $5,000–$20,000.
  • Legal Expertise: $15,000+.
  • International Mission (through the UN): $100,000+.
• Outcome:
  • The result will be a signed report confirming that the section of the wall is located within internationally recognized Israeli borders and complies with all legal requirements.

Cost Estimation and Construction

For the construction of the wall, taking into account all of its characteristics and high-tech solutions, more precise calculations will be conducted, with a narrowed cost range for each expense category.

• Construction Costs per 1 km:
  • Physical Wall (concrete, foundation, protection): $18 million
  • Underground Protection (anti-tunneling system): $12 million
  • Safety Zone (mine clearance, decontamination): $5.5 million
  • Infrastructure (roads, service areas, repair complexes): $7 million
• The total construction cost per 1 km of the wall is $42 million
• Overall cost for 1115 km will amount to $47.4 billion

This budget is preliminary and based on estimated costs. It does not include the cost of engineering systems and security systems, which are outlined in the Technology section. All financial evaluations are based on approximate construction costs in Israel at the time of preparing the materials. For precise calculations, all standard project stages must be completed, including zoning, geodesy, architectural and engineering expertise, and the subsequent development of full project and cost documentation.

Engineering and Technical Maintenance of the Wall

To ensure the longevity and effective operation of the wall, its engineering and technical maintenance will be a critical component. This will include the following elements:

• Planned Preventive Maintenance:
  • Regular inspections of all security systems, including seismic sensors, cameras, monitoring, and defense systems.
  • Periodic maintenance of infrastructure, including energy systems, roads, and service areas.
• Emergency and Restoration Works:
  • Rapid response to any damage or system failures. This includes robotic repair stations that can quickly restore damaged sections of the wall.
  • The organization of emergency teams to swiftly localize and eliminate threats or damages to the wall.
• Patrolling:
  • Regular checks of the territory using AI-powered drone patrols, which will monitor the perimeter and detect any attempts at penetration or damage.
  • The use of autonomous patrol systems, capable of operating without human intervention, and utilizing thermal imaging and satellite data to detect threats.

This comprehensive approach to maintenance ensures that the wall will remain fully operational, secure, and efficient over its entire lifespan, with minimal downtime and rapid recovery from any issues.

Conclusion

The Metatron Project represents a unique blend of engineering ingenuity and advanced technology, making it not only a solution for protecting Israel but also a pivotal step in the nation’s security strategy. Given the global threats and changes in international politics, the creation of such a wall is a necessary step to ensure the country’s security for decades to come.

The project combines physical protection with high-end technologies, including robotized systems, lasers, AI-powered drones, and advanced cybersecurity technologies. Considering its scale and complexity, the wall will become a robust and reliable barrier, capable of effectively safeguarding Israel from both current and future threats.

The Metatron Project is a fortification structure that, in terms of its scale and technological excellence, will stand as a modern engineering marvel, providing secure protection for many decades to come.