Israel Police Finalize Security, Traffic Plans for Tomb of the Patriarchs Pilgrimage

Israel Police have completed their preparations to accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers and visitors at the Tomb of the Patriarchs and the Jewish community in Hebron during the intermediate days of the Sukkot holiday. Security forces, including Border Police and IDF soldiers, will be deployed to maintain order and manage traffic on main routes and access roads, while striving to preserve the daily routine of local residents.

Private vehicle access directly to the Tomb of the Patriarchs will be restricted to residents of the Jewish community in Hebron, who must present identification. In Kiryat Arba, a free dedicated bus service will operate to the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Those arriving by private car will need to park in designated lots in Kiryat Arba and use bus line 21 to reach the site and return to the parking areas.

Special public transportation services will be available on Monday and Tuesday, September 28-29. "Electra Afikim" bus line 201 will run from Teddy Stadium West parking lot in Jerusalem directly to the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Service from Jerusalem to Hebron will operate between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, and from Hebron to Jerusalem between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Passengers can reach the Teddy Stadium parking lot via the Jerusalem Light Rail line L3 and city bus lines 504, 509, and 531. Bus lines 381 and 383 will be canceled during the operating hours of line 201.

In Kiryat Arba, the free shuttle service (line 21) to the Tomb of the Patriarchs will operate from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Monday and from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, including for the pre-dawn "Vatikin" prayer service. On Wednesday, September 30, public transportation will operate on a regular, augmented schedule, and private buses will be permitted to enter Hebron with designated parking. The public is advised to check traffic conditions via navigation apps and media, and drivers are urged to exercise patience and caution due to increased pedestrian activity.