Major Forest Fire Blocks Key Israeli Highways Near Ben Shemen Interchange
A massive forest fire near the Ben Shemen interchange in central Israel has forced the closure of two major highways, Route 1 and Route 6, in both directions. As of August 4, 2026, around 21 ground firefighting teams and four aircraft from the Elad firefighting squadron are actively combating the blaze. The fire continues to threaten the area, but firefighters have managed to contain it in two main sectors. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the region entirely and seek alternative routes due to the ongoing danger and road closures.
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