Waze to Close Har Nof Streets to Traffic on Shabbat

The Waze navigation app has made changes to its routing algorithms in Jerusalem. Following agreements with city authorities, streets in the Har Nof neighborhood will now be marked as closed to transit traffic during Shabbat.

According to representatives of the Har Nof community council (Minhal Kehilati), the transit traffic problem worsened after the opening of Highway 16. Trying to bypass traffic jams, secular drivers often followed the navigator’s instructions and crossed the religious neighborhood. This led to the disruption of traditional Sabbath rest and created tension between local residents and motorists.

Following consultations between the municipality, Har Nof activists, and Waze developers, a technical solution was reached. Now, starting at sunset on Friday, the app’s algorithm will automatically block through traffic across the neighborhood’s residential streets.

The organizers of the initiative emphasize that the restrictions will apply exclusively to private and commercial vehicles. Emergency service vehicles — ambulances, police, and fire departments — will retain unimpeded access to the area at any time of the day, and navigation for them will remain active.

It is expected that this innovation will not only ensure peace for the observant residents of Har Nof but also protect drivers from accidentally entering closed zones and potential conflicts.

Automotive News of Israel and the World