Israel Braces for Holiday Travel Gridlock Ahead of Rosh Hashanah

Israel's Traffic Division has issued a detailed map of expected traffic congestion as the country prepares for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, warning of significant bottlenecks on major roadways. The heaviest traffic is anticipated in the late afternoon hours on routes leading north, south, and towards Jerusalem.

Hundreds of thousands of families are traveling today, Friday, for holiday meals and leisure, causing widespread heavy traffic since early afternoon. The Israel Police's Traffic Division anticipates continuous traffic jams on major arteries from the south to the north of the country. Peak congestion is expected around 4:00 PM, just two hours before the holiday begins, as drivers make last-minute journeys.

Key congested routes include Highway 1 and Highway 443 approaching Jerusalem, and Highway 6 experiencing long delays along its entire length, particularly in central sections heading north. Along the coastal plain, Highway 2 and Highway 4 are heavily trafficked from the central region through the Sharon area up to Haifa. Travelers heading north and towards the Sea of Galilee area face significant delays on Highways 65 and 77.

To manage the flow and ensure safety, the Israel Police has deployed hundreds of officers, volunteers, marked and unmarked patrol cars, motorcycles, and surveillance equipment at key intersections and routes. These forces are working to regulate traffic, provide rapid assistance for incidents, and strictly enforce laws against dangerous driving behaviors such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving.

The Traffic Division urges drivers to depart early, stay updated via navigation apps, and exercise patience.