Forest Fires in the Jerusalem Hills Explain Today’s Heavy Traffic on Route 1

Netivei Israel completed the installation of removable safety barriers on Route 1, the first of their kind in Israel. The system allows for the rapid opening of the separation fence in an emergency, and is intended to significantly shorten the response time of rescue forces.

The solution was developed in light of the lessons learned from the severe wave of fires that hit the Jerusalem Hills on Independence Day last year. During the fires that broke out on Independence Day 2025 in the Jerusalem area, thousands of drivers were stuck on Route 1 with no way to turn around because of the permanent separation fence. The dramatic incident, in which many drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles and flee on foot from the flames, led to the establishment of a joint think tank by Netivei Israel, the Israel Police Traffic Division, and Fire and Rescue.

As part of the team’s work, the Israel Police carried out a comprehensive mapping of 48 security crossings on relevant roads throughout the country. The locations were chosen based on an analysis of past events and operational needs, מתוך the understanding that reducing emergency response times can mean the difference between life and death.

The first two removable barriers were installed on Route 1, and each allows for the opening of a 40-meter section. The system can be operated in two different configurations, opening both sections across the width of the road, or moving them to the side. Installing each opening takes several hours and costs about half a million shekels.

Today, Wednesday, Netivei Israel carried out the system’s first operational demonstration for the Israel Police and Fire and Rescue services, during which opening and closing the barrier were practiced in field conditions. The new barriers, already in use in several European countries, meet strict safety standards and have been approved by an interministerial committee.

The system allows for the rapid opening of the separation fence during emergency incidents such as fires, security incidents, serious accidents, or road blockages. In an emergency, the barrier will be opened by Netivei Israel maintenance crews, according to instructions and approval from the Israel Police and Fire and Rescue.

Nissim Peretz, CEO of Netivei Israel, said, "The removable barriers are a proven, safe, and advanced solution that will allow rescue and security forces to reach incident scenes much faster and save lives. We continue to invest in smart and innovative infrastructure that will strengthen Israel’s readiness for emergencies and improve the safety of road users."

Head of the Israel Police Traffic Division, Commissioner Haim Shmueli, emphasized the importance of the project, saying, "The fires that occurred in the Jerusalem area last year demonstrated how much fast and effective solutions are needed to allow safe movement of civilians alongside optimal access for emergency and rescue forces and their evacuation when in danger."

Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi added, "During the major fires that broke out in the Jerusalem area on Independence Day last year, thousands of drivers were stuck without the ability to make a U-turn or evacuate quickly. Following the lessons learned from the incident, Netivei Israel advanced the removable barrier project, which is intended to allow controlled opening of the separation fence in an emergency."

Netivei Israel said this is another step toward improving readiness for extreme situations and increasing safety on Israel’s roads. Later this year, the project is expected to expand to additional strategic locations across the country, in order to enable a faster and more efficient response from emergency forces nationwide.

In the Traffic Division’s working document, 49 potential locations for emergency crossings were marked across the country, including 20 in the central region and five defined as top-priority for implementation.