Israel shuts down country's 2 longest highways after floods

Israeli authorities closed the country's two longest highways on Sunday, as floods swept through southern regions, compounding the devastation from recent wildfires.

A police statement said Highway 90, Israel's longest road at approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles), was shut down in multiple sections, including near the town of Samar, the Menucha Junction, and Kibbutz Ketura, due to floodwaters.

The highway is a critical artery in Israel, stretching from Metula on the northern border with Lebanon, along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, through the Jordan Valley, past the Dead Sea's western bank, and across the Arava Valley to Eilat.

The police also closed the northern exit from Eilat toward Be'er Ora and sealed the city's outbound route via Highway 12, according to Israel's public broadcaster KAN.

Highway 40, the country's second-longest road at 302 kilometers (188 miles), was similarly closed to traffic from Mitzpe Ramon to the Tsihor Junction in both directions.

A vital link in central Israel, the highway connects Kfar Saba to Beersheba in the south.

KAN added that police issued traffic updates and road closure notices across the southern region due to extreme weather conditions.

Police also maintained a strong presence in Eilat, urging drivers and pedestrians to follow instructions.

The floods struck days after wildfires, ignited on Thursday, ravaged 20,000 dunams (4,940 acres) between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, injuring 21 people and forcing the evacuation of ten towns.

Fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, the blazes, the largest in years, took 31 hours to control. Authorities are investigating the cause, with Israeli media, including KAN, citing possible negligence by park visitors rather than arson.