Travelers in Hol HaMoed: these are the places where it is forbidden or allowed to travel in the south

Many are waiting for Passover – and not just for the matzah with chocolate – to take a walk in the fire grounds that are opened especially for the curious crowd. This year, due to the operational situation and situation assessments, the fire areas in the north will all be closed to travelers. However, a small part of the training areas in the south will be open subject to restrictions and by prior arrangement.

According to the announcement made by the IDF spokesman at the beginning of the week: "This year, travelers will be allowed to enter some of the training areas (fire areas) in the south of the country in a limited way during the Passover period, most of the fire areas will be closed to travelers. In some of the fire areas, travelers will be allowed to enter by prior arrangement, the areas that are allowed and forbidden to enter are marked on the attached map.

The IDF spokesman's announcement came after last week it was decided that this year the IDF will not open Route 10 to travelers during this period.

Among the training areas to which entry will be prohibited this year, you will find the Dead Sea, Nahal Laban, Har Harif, Mount Karrakum and Mount Ramon, Shitim and Nahal Tsanifim.

So where can you travel in the south?

There are many places that are still relevant for trips in the southern region. The Beer Sheva area is one of them on the routes that surround it. The Dimona area is also considered safe for a trip, so this is an excellent opportunity to get on the vehicles and drive to an actual national park. Of course Mitzpe Ramon is one of the recommended destinations to visit in the spring, and during the holiday break you can find quite a few points of interest around the municipality.

Sde Boker and the surrounding area

The Sde Boker area is most inviting at this time of the year, especially if you are an early riser, since the mornings in the desert are medicine for the soul. If you are traveling in the area and jump to Ben Gurion's tomb, you can combine an easy trip with a spectacular view of the desert. Another option is to jump into the Ben Gurion barracks and find out a little about the life of the first prime minister, drink coffee or taste wine in the cafe adjacent to the barracks. Of course, you are also close to Ein Abdat – one of the favorite reserves for families with children, which combines amazing landscapes and cool water.

Ada Mall

Many take advantage of the long road for short stops at beautiful points of interest, one of which is at Ada Mall. The mall has a circular walk that is very popular with families. Although there are no water sources and immersion in the Ada Canyon, a red sand rock crosses it. Already at the beginning of the route, which takes about three hours, you will see acacia trees to take pictures and you can take a short rest. When you climb up, you will be able to see the course of the rivers Paran, Karkhum and Arod.

Shebata National Park

The ancient Nabatean city of Shebata is in the north of the Negev. Sheveta was awarded the status of a national heritage site because this is a place where archeology comes to life and offers us a rare glimpse into the life of the Nabatim. Among the remains of the city you can see two churches, a gate and the city hall. Please note that Nahal Laban, which is located near Shveta, is on the list of sites that must not be visited.

heel eye

Ein Eqab – one of the most beautiful places that doesn't get a lot of PR. Ein Eqab is at the foot of Hod Eqab (Mount Mashar). The mountain, whose shape is pointed and slightly domed and is located on the Tzinin cliff, is very prominent in the regional landscape. The mountain can be reached by climbing steeply using pegs, but it is not recommended to do it on very hot days. Ein Aqab – also known by its Arabic name Ein Umm Ka'b (the spring of the stone). It is a beautiful spring, at the top of which you can see a black flint, whose beauty resonates against the bright colors of the desert.

The phone numbers for coordinating and clarifying trips: in the south – 08-9902926/8, 0529010563 (SMS only); In the north – 073-3483007.