Ben Shemen Forest fire contained; highways reopen, no injuries

Firefighters contained a fire in central Israel's Ben Shemen Forest, allowing Highways 1 and 6 to reopen to traffic. No injuries were reported, though traffic congestion persists in the area. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority confirmed the blaze was brought under control after forcing road closures. Magen David Adom teams remain on scene, and police are directing vehicles while asking drivers to seek alternative routes where possible. Twenty-one firefighting crews and four aircraft continue battling the fire, which broke out Tuesday. Warmer global temperatures have increased forest fire intensity, prompting Israeli agencies to collaborate on faster fire detection technology.