- Massive wildfires near Jerusalem force evacuations, highway closures, and hospitalizations.
- Israel declares a national emergency; global firefighting aid requested.
- Weather conditions and possible arson complicate containment efforts.
The worst wildfires in over a decade have engulfed the outskirts of Jerusalem, prompting Israel to declare a national emergency. Fierce flames, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, have swept through wooded areas, forcing the evacuation of multiple communities and the closure of the main Route 1 highway linking Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested international assistance, with Italy and Croatia sending aircraft and additional support sought from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.
Israel Battles Historic Jerusalem Wildfires Amid Evacuations and Global Support
Thick smoke and advancing flames have turned Jerusalem’s outskirts into a crisis zone, as wildfires threaten to breach city limits. Residents in at least five nearby communities have been evacuated, and authorities warn the blaze could intensify due to shifting winds from the west. Videos showed motorists fleeing on foot as fires approached major highways.
The Israeli government has taken swift action by declaring a national emergency and seeking foreign aid. Italy and Croatia responded with firefighting aircraft, while appeals were made to other Mediterranean nations. Despite rapid deployment, Fire Chief Eyal Caspi admitted aircraft could not operate under current weather conditions.
Magen David Adom rescue services raised their alert to the highest level and treated dozens of civilians for smoke inhalation and burns. Military units joined firefighting teams, marking one of the largest emergency responses in years. The cancellation of Jerusalem’s Independence Day ceremony underscored the disruption caused by the fires.
Amid the emergency, allegations of arson have surfaced. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir pointed to a suspect arrested while attempting to ignite another fire in southern Jerusalem. Though no official link to the broader wildfires has been confirmed, the possibility of deliberate ignition has deepened public concern.
The Jerusalem wildfires have exposed critical vulnerabilities in Israel’s emergency preparedness and environmental resilience, demanding both immediate action and long-term solutions.
“We are amidst a very large wildfire, maybe the largest there has ever been in this country.” — Shmulik Friedman, Fire and Rescue Service’s Jerusalem District commander
