Snow Falls in Israel Following Days of Heavy Rain and Wind
by Zach Pontz
Snow fell Wednesday in Jerusalem following nearly a week of devastating wind and rain across Israel that left many areas of the country under water.
Heavy snow was likewise falling on Wednesday in the northern Golan Heights after a meter of snow fell on Mount Hermon overnight. Snow also was falling in Nazareth, as well as in the Galilee, in Migdal Oz and Beit El.
In Jerusalem residents have been asked to keep their vehicles off roads after 1 p.m.
The national police headquarters announced mid-afternoon that altogether their rescue services have assisted 70 people who were endangered by rising waters and flooding on the roadways.
Police also reported that two Palestinian Arab women and a Samarian woman died after their car was swept away off a road near Tulkarm in the West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with officials Wednesday to assess the situation.
“The systems are working well. I have instructed Public Security Ministry Director-General Rotem Peleg to consider compensation for those who have been hurt as a result of the weather,” he told officials during the meeting.
He also thanked emergency services for their efforts over the past several days. “I appreciate the brave work – in the intense cold and strong winds – of all those involved. The emergency and rescue forces are struggling around the clock in the storm in order to save lives; on behalf of all Israelis, I thank you.
“One month after Operation Pillar of Defense, the rescue forces are again proving that the Israeli home front can rely on them. In the stormy weather, their sole concern is to help Israeli citizens, and they have been very successful.”