Israel finishes Gaza Strip ‘smart fence’

JERUSALEM — Israel on Tuesday announced the completion of an enhanced security barrier around the Gaza Strip designed to prevent militants from sneaking into the country.

The 40-mile barrier includes radar systems, maritime sensors and a network of underground sensors to detect militant tunnels. Fencing was replaced with a 19½-foot-high “smart fence” with sensors and cameras.

Israel has fought four wars with Hamas since the Islamic militant group seized power in Gaza nearly 15 years ago, most recently in May. During a 2014 war, Palestinian militants tunneled into Israel and clashed with Israeli troops.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced the completion of the barrier after more than three years of construction, saying it places an “iron wall” between Hamas and residents of southern Israel.

During May’s fighting, Hamas used a sophisticated tunnel system within Gaza but did not infiltrate fighters into Israel. The group fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel over 11 days, with large volleys that occasionally overwhelmed Israel’s sophisticated missile defenses.

Israel responded with hundreds of airstrikes and brought down several multistory buildings. The war killed more than 250 people in Gaza, including at least 129 civilians, according to the U.N., while 13 people died on the Israeli side.