Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved plans to erect a barrier along part of Israel's border with Egypt and install advanced surveillance equipment to keep out illegal migrants and militants.

"I took the decision to close Israel's southern border to infiltrators and terrorists," Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.

"This is a strategic decision to secure Israel's Jewish and democratic character."

Thousands of African and other migrants have come to Israel through its porous border with Egypt over the last few years, fleeing conflict back home or searching for a better life in the Jewish state.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel would continue to let in refugees from conflict zones but "we cannot let tens of thousands of illegal workers infiltrate into Israel through the southern border and inundate our country with illegal aliens".

The project will cost 1 billion shekels ($290 million) and will take two years to complete.

The barrier will not be erected along the whole border, and advanced surveillance equipment will help border control officers to spot infiltrators.

-Reuters