From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Amid intense heatwave, Parks Authority imposes ban on entering hiking trails until Saturday
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
With the Israel Meteorological Service forecasting extreme, life-threatening temperatures this week, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority is imposing a ban on entering all hiking trails in open areas in nature reserves and national parks until Saturday, August 16.
An exception is made for “very short walks” at popular sites during the early morning hours, where the trail is shaded and there are places to drink water.
Over recent days, emergency services have had to rescue several people who went hiking despite bans and suffered heatstroke.
The authority advises the public to stay updated on the current heatwave via the meteorological service website and the media, and to call the Parks Authority information center with questions about hiking on *3639.
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