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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared the ongoing wildfires near Jerusalem a “national emergency,” warning that the rapidly advancing flames could soon reach the capital.
As strong winds and scorching temperatures fuel the largest fire Israel has seen in a decade, authorities are scrambling to prevent disaster.
Thick plumes of smoke have engulfed key highways near Jerusalem, prompting large-scale evacuations and the deployment of military personnel.
The Israeli rescue agency Magen David Adom (MDA) reported treating 23 people, including two pregnant women and two infants, most suffering from smoke inhalation and burns. Thirteen of them have been hospitalised, and the agency has raised its alert level to the highest tier.
Netanyahu, in a video statement, urged immediate action, warning that western winds could push the flames directly into the city.
“We must bring in as many fire engines as possible and build firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines,” he said. “The priority right now is defending Jerusalem.”
Communities along the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have already been evacuated, with police shutting down the road and urging the public to stay away. Residents reported seeing flames take over entire areas despite the heavy presence of police and firefighters.
Fire Chief Eyal Caspi confirmed that due to the harsh weather, aerial firefighting was currently impossible.
“Our aircraft can’t do anything right now. Our goal is to save lives,” he stated.
An AFP journalist described flames sweeping through forests between Latrun and Bet Shemesh, with helicopters seen attempting to douse the blaze earlier in the day. Some drivers abandoned their vehicles to escape the rapidly spreading fire.
Communities situated around 30 kilometres west of Jerusalem have been evacuated. In the meantime, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested that arson may have played a role in starting the fires.
Police have arrested a resident of East Jerusalem suspected of attempting to ignite a field. However, no official connection has been made between the suspect and the current wildfires.
Ben Gvir stressed that authorities would take action against anyone suspected of “arson terror” and called off Independence Day events requiring fire department support to free up resources.
The foreign ministry has contacted neighbouring countries such as Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Croatia for assistance. France has also offered “material support,” and aircraft from Italy and Croatia are expected to arrive soon.
The fires come during a season when the region is typically vulnerable to wildfires, but worsening weather conditions and stretched emergency resources have intensified the crisis. Emergency teams continue to monitor the situation, prepared for further evacuations if the fires spread.
