Israel Braces for Rosh Hashanah Travel Chaos as Police Warn of Major Traffic Jams

Israel is experiencing significant traffic congestion across the country on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, with the police warning of peak gridlock on major highways. Hundreds of thousands of families are traveling for holiday meals and leisure, causing extensive delays from north to south.

The traffic collapse is expected to reach its zenith around 4:00 PM, just two hours before the holiday begins, as drivers make last-minute journeys. The Israel Police's traffic division reports that the main arteries are bearing the brunt of the congestion.

Specific problem areas include Routes 1 and 443 approaching Jerusalem, and Route 6 experiencing delays along its entire length, particularly in central sections and northbound. Along the coast, Routes 2 and 4 are heavily trafficked from central Israel through the Sharon region to Haifa. Travelers heading north and towards the Sea of Galilee face jams on Routes 65 and 77.

To manage the situation, the Israeli police have deployed substantial resources, including hundreds of officers, volunteers, marked and unmarked patrol cars, motorcycles, and surveillance equipment. They are working to direct traffic, provide rapid assistance for incidents, and enforce traffic laws against drunk driving, speeding, and mobile phone use.

Authorities are urging citizens to depart as early as possible, monitor traffic conditions via navigation apps, and exercise patience, emphasizing that road safety is paramount. The article also briefly mentions a previous warning to Israelis about a common device.