Israel has declared a national emergency as fast-spreading wildfires continue to engulf areas near Jerusalem, prompting evacuations, road closures, and a major deployment of emergency services. On Wednesday, Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the army to assist firefighters battling the flames, citing the urgent need to save lives and contain the disaster.
The wildfires, intensified by high temperatures and strong winds, reignited in areas that were affected just a week earlier. Smoke and flames have threatened communities about 30 kilometres west of Jerusalem, forcing the evacuation of at least five towns and the closure of the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. Some drivers abandoned their vehicles on the road to flee on foot as thick smoke made driving impossible.
Emergency services, including Israel’s national rescue agency Magen David Adom (MDA), reported that hundreds of civilians were at risk. Sixteen people have been treated for minor injuries, mainly due to smoke inhalation. The MDA has positioned ambulances and motorcycle units near affected communities to provide urgent care and assist with evacuations.
An AFP journalist described the fire as raging in wooded areas near Latrun and Beit Shemesh, where helicopters have been deployed to dump water and slow the fire’s advance. In some areas, the intensity of the flames forced emergency crews to retreat for safety.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who oversees the fire department, visited the area and confirmed efforts were underway to bring in additional support and evacuate stranded civilians. He also noted the region’s vulnerability to seasonal wildfires.
In response to the growing crisis, Israel has requested international assistance from countries including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy.
As the fires disrupt national life, Minister Miri Regev announced the cancellation of Israel’s main Independence Day ceremony planned for Wednesday evening in Jerusalem, due to safety concerns.
With fires continuing to threaten residential areas and infrastructure, authorities warn that conditions remain dangerous and that firefighting efforts are likely to extend into the coming days.
The deployment of the military underlines the seriousness of the situation, as Israel faces one of its most severe wildfire emergencies in recent years.
