Israel Braces for Major Traffic Jams Ahead of Rosh Hashanah Holiday

Israel's traffic police are warning of severe traffic congestion nationwide as Israelis embark on holiday travel ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which falls on Friday, September 10th. Significant traffic is expected to begin in the early afternoon, with peak congestion anticipated in the late afternoon and evening.

Major traffic jams are predicted on key routes, including Route 1 and Route 443 approaching Jerusalem. Route 6 could experience slowdowns along its entire length, particularly in central and northern sections. Routes 2 and 4 are also expected to be heavily congested, connecting central Israel through the Sharon region to Haifa.

In the north, Routes 65 and 77 are likely to be particularly busy, as they are traditional routes for tourists and holidaymakers heading to areas like the Sea of Galilee. The traffic police advise drivers to depart as early as possible and to monitor real-time traffic conditions via navigation apps, urging patience.

Drivers are specifically advised to avoid departing around 4:00 PM, which is expected to be the absolute peak of traffic, approximately two hours before the holiday begins. The police have completed special preparations for the holiday travel period, deploying hundreds of officers and volunteers to major routes and potential congestion points. Patrol cars, including unmarked vehicles, will also be utilized to manage traffic flow, regulate problematic areas, and respond swiftly to incidents.

Additionally, police will intensify enforcement against traffic violations that could lead to serious accidents, such as drunk driving, speeding, dangerous overtaking, and distracted driving. Police emphasize a zero-tolerance policy for such offenses during the holiday period and urge drivers to plan their trips carefully, account for potential delays, and avoid risky behavior.