JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Israel is locked in a fierce battle against widespread and rapidly escalating wildfires that have been raging for a second day, prompting a national emergency declaration and urgent appeals for international assistance. The blazes, fueled by unseasonably high temperatures and strong winds, have forced the evacuation of thousands, shut down major highways, and cast a pall of smoke over the Jerusalem area, threatening even the capital itself.
The outbreak, which began on Wednesday, coinciding with Israel’s Memorial Day, has quickly spread across multiple locations, particularly in the forested areas west of Jerusalem. Firefighters, stretched thin by the intensity and number of blazes, have been struggling to contain the flames, leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a national emergency and call for help from overseas.
“This is a national emergency, not just a local one,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing the potential threat to Jerusalem. “The priority right now is defending Jerusalem.”
Scenes of chaos unfolded as the fires approached Route 1, the crucial highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, forcing its closure and leaving motorists stranded. Dramatic footage shared on social media showed drivers abandoning their vehicles and fleeing on foot as flames licked at the roadside. Several other major roads in the area remain closed, severely disrupting transportation.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
By Thursday morning, the situation remained critical, with over 100 firefighting teams battling at least six major blazes. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services reported that 17 firefighters have been injured, with two requiring hospitalization. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early estimates suggest thousands of acres of forest have already been consumed.
Responding to Israel’s urgent pleas, international assistance has begun to arrive. Firefighting aircraft from Italy and Croatia were among the first to reach the country, with planes and logistical support also pledged by France, Romania, Spain, and Cyprus. These international teams are expected to significantly bolster Israel’s aerial firefighting capabilities, which are crucial in tackling the rapidly spreading blazes.
The Palestinian Authority also offered to send its own firefighting teams to assist, a gesture that, while not immediately accepted, highlights the severity of the situation.
The wildfires have cast a shadow over Israel’s Independence Day celebrations, traditionally marked by outdoor gatherings and festivities. Many events have been cancelled or scaled back in the affected areas as authorities urged the public to stay away from parks and nature reserves.
As firefighters continue their arduous work in challenging conditions, the focus remains on containing the blazes, protecting lives and property, and preventing further devastation. The arrival of international aid offers a much-needed boost to these efforts, as Israel confronts what officials are describing as potentially the largest wildfires in the nation’s history.