Israeli Wildfires Near Jerusalem Trigger State of Emergency

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an urgent national emergency in response to rapidly advancing wildfires near Jerusalem, which threaten to reach the city limits.

Thick clouds of smoke were visible along main roads close to the capital, as fire services raced to tackle blazes that have already caused several injuries, forcing the Israeli military to commit resources and personnel to support firefighting efforts.

Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency medical service, revealed that the current fires represent the most severe in years, with hundreds of civilians potentially in danger.

Around 23 individuals have required medical attention, with 13 of them hospitalized for issues such as smoke inhalation and burns. This group includes two expectant mothers and two infants less than a year old, highlighting the fires' broad impact.

Authorities have elevated the alert level to its maximum setting.

Yuval Aharoni, a resident from Modiin standing near a burning hillside, expressed frustration: "We anticipated this due to the weather conditions, yet preparation seemed inadequate without the large firefighting planes."

Netanyahu forewarned that the westerly winds could quickly propel the blaze towards and even into Jerusalem itself.

He emphasized the need for numerous fire engines and the construction of firebreaks, saying, "The situation is now a national emergency, with priority given to protecting Jerusalem."

Authorities have shut down the main thoroughfare from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and evacuated nearby communities, echoing scenes from recent fires in the area.

Student Yosef Aaron shared his experience, seeing emergency services overwhelmed as the fire rapidly engulfed the area.

Fire Chief Eyal Caspi stated in a televised briefing that current weather conditions render aerial firefighting ineffective, marking this as potentially the most significant fire event in a decade.

The public has been urged to steer clear of the affected highways and hills to ensure safety and aid emergency measures.

Helicopters and soldiers have been seen combating flames along the Latrun to Bet Shemesh road, with some motorists abandoning cars due to the encroaching fires.

The IDF has deployed search and rescue units and numerous fire trucks alongside civilian firefighters.

Emergency measures, including forming firebreaks overnight, aim to contain the blazes.

Evacuations began for communities about 19 miles west of Jerusalem, as media outlets aired images of firefighters battling intense flames.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested possible arson as a cause, with one arrest already made related to attempted arson in southern Jerusalem.

While no official link has been made, authorities remain vigilant against arson activities.

The high temperature and powerful winds contributing to the fires' spread have led to at least five community evacuations.

Ben Gvir, responsible for overseeing firefighting agencies, reassured that additional support and evacuations are a top priority.

International cooperation is being sought, with Israeli officials reaching out to Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria for assistance.

French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed solidarity and offered aid via social media.

Assistance from abroad is forthcoming, with Italy and Croatia both dispatching firefighting aircraft.

In light of the strained resources, planned Independence Day events requiring fire safety have been canceled to allow firefighting teams to concentrate fully on emergency operations.