Large limestone cave uncovered during construction in Rosh Ha'ayin

Authorities halt work in residential neighborhood to assess safety risks, as well as possible need for conservation

Construction work in a town in central Israel has been halted after a large limestone cave with stalactite formations was uncovered under a neighborhood street.

Authorities said work at Rosh Ha’ayin’s Psagot Afek residential neighborhood was stopped at the weekend, both in order to assess safety and to look into possible conservation requirements.

The local municipality said it had contacted the national Nature and Parks Authority and was awaiting word from its experts.

The parks authority said it was working on assessing the cave, and has urged dozens of curious visitors not to enter the dangerous cavern.