Israeli owners of factories in the Erez industrial zone on the northern border of the Gaza Strip have expressed deep concern about the zone's continued operation under current Israeli-Palestinian industrial cooperation model. Until now, the model has been considered a success and worthy of emulation. The sources of the concern was this morning's terrorist attack at the crossing point adjacent to Erez, in which an Israeli was killed. Following the attack, an investigation was launched into suspicions that Palestinian employees at Erez abetted the two terrorists.
Manufacturers Association managing director Yoram Blizovsky told "Globes", "Until now, Erez was considered a success model of Israeli-Palestinian economic cooperation.
"Scores of Israeli factories employing thousands of Palestinians are based in the Erez industrial zone. Erez has operated well for many years, staying open virtually without a halt, throughout the intifada. The recent incidents have disrupted the security equilibrium that existed there until now."
Blizovsky added, "There were always strict checks at Erez, but the very infrequent rate of terrorist attacks has begun to change. Until now, Palestinian workers were never suspected of abetting the entry of terrorists. This unquestionably causes anxiety."
Nevertheless, Blizovsky said, "My conversations with factory owners at Erez didn’t suggest that today's attack will cause them to reduce or close down their businesses. The model has many advantages, and there is a desire to continue operating, but factory owners are now asking the IDF for security tools that will provide better solutions than existing ones."
In this morning's attack, two terrorists opened fire at a group of Israelis at the Erez industrial zone. Soldiers at an outpost at the site returned fire, killing them both. The industrial zone was immediately closed, and workers about to enter through the crossing terminal were returned to Gaza.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on February 26, 2004