Israeli Military Reopens Southern Tourist Route After Holiday Period

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reinstated the regular operating schedule for a popular tourist route near the southern border. Starting Thursday, September 3, 2026, travel for tourists will revert to the standard rules that were in place before the summer holiday season. The road will be open only on Fridays and Saturdays during daylight hours, specifically on the stretch from the community of Ezuz to Mount Harif.

During weekdays, access for civilians will remain restricted, as the summer vacation period has concluded and the route is no longer operational on Thursdays. The military emphasized that entry to the area still requires mandatory registration and document presentation, though prior trip approval is no longer necessary.

Concurrently, the IDF is continuing its scheduled training exercises on military firing ranges in both northern and southern Israel on weekends. Consequently, all firing ranges in the southern part of the country will remain closed to tourist visits. Military officials urge citizens to avoid traveling to restricted zones and to refrain from endangering themselves, thereby allowing security forces to carry out their duties without hindrance.