Heavy traffic expected ahead of High Holy Days
Travelers on Israel's roads should be aware of heavy traffic starting on Sunday due to the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days; additionally, there will be a complete security closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip beginning Sunday and lasting until Tuesday night.
"The High Holy Days will see a lot of traffic caused by travelers going to different leisure site, parks, and beaches," the Directorate said.
Hundreds of police officers and volunteers will be patrolling the roads all over the country starting on Sunday, which is the eve of Rosh Hashanah 5777 (the Jewish new year). The Israel Police added that "the public must take into consideration the heavier than usual traffic which will be caused by the holiday, as more vehicles that normal will be on the roads."
The Traffic Directorate is requesting that drivers who need assistance not stop on road shoulders do to the danger passing cars pose. If someone needs to stop their car, it is recommended to stop at rest areas or emergency lanes. If a driver's car breaks down in the middle of the road, the driver should dial 100 and wait on the other side of the road partition until a patrol vehicle comes to help.
For updated travel information, the Israel Police have set up an information hotline. The hotline can be reached by dialing 110 at any time day or night.
General West Bank Closure
There will be a general closure of the West Bank and all crossings into and out of the Gaza Strip will be stopped during the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
The IDF Spokesperson announced that the closures will come into effect at 12:01am Sunday morning, and will reopen on Tuesday October 4 at 11:59pm as long as the security situation remains stable.
The only exceptions to the closure will be humanitarian or emergency medical cases, which will be transferred with the cooperation of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).
