Israel is battling one of its worst wildfire emergencies in a decade, with flames threatening to reach the capital city of Jerusalem. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared the situation a “national emergency” as strong winds and scorching temperatures helped the fires spread dangerously fast.
Jerusalem Under Threat as Fires Spread Rapidly
Thick smoke has been seen rising above highways and cities near Jerusalem. After starting on Wednesday, the fires swiftly spread across open fields and arid woodlands. Several people have been injured, and many communities have been evacuated to stay safe.
The fire danger is so serious that the Israeli military has sent troops to help firefighters. Helicopters were used to drop water over the flames, but the windy weather made it very difficult. Some aircraft had to stop their efforts because the wind made flying too risky.
Police had to close the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. People living along this road were told to leave their homes. According to reports, this area had already been affected by fires just one week earlier.
Many drivers had to leave their cars behind and run to escape the fast-moving flames. A student named Yosef Aaron said the fire quickly took over the entire area, even though firefighters and police had already arrived.
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Injuries and Evacuations Continue as Firefighting Struggles
Twenty-three persons were treated, according to the Israeli emergency rescue organization Magen David Adom (MDA). Out of these, 13 had to be taken to the hospital. Most of them were hurt from breathing smoke or had burns. Among the injured were two pregnant women and two babies who were less than a year old.
The alert level for emergencies has been raised to the highest possible level. Fire crews are working day and night, but the weather is making it hard. The country’s fire chief, Eyal Caspi, said in a press meeting that the strong wind is stopping firefighting planes from flying.
Caspi also mentioned that their main goal is to save lives right now. He said that this may be the largest wildfire Israel has faced in the last ten years.
The public has been warned by police not to travel close to the Jerusalem Hills and the highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Numerous officers have been stationed in these regions. A journalist from AFP who was at the scene reported that the fire was burning through the forest near the main road between Latrun and Bet Shemesh.
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In some areas, soldiers arrived to help as the flames got worse. Helicopters were seen trying to drop water on the fires, and firefighters were shown in video reports battling against walls of flames. Additionally, thousands of people from settlements some 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem were evacuated.
Suspected Arson and International Help
While the exact cause of the fire is not fully confirmed, there are signs that some of it could have been started on purpose. The National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, said there may be arson involved. A individual from east Jerusalem who was discovered attempting to set fire to a field in the city’s south was subsequently taken into custody, according to police reports. However, there has been no official link between this incident and the main wildfire.
The areas affected by the fires are known to be dry and prone to wildfires during the hot months. Ben Gvir, who is responsible for the fire department, visited the scene and said more help is being sent. He also said that teams are working to help stranded people and assist in evacuations.
To deal with the huge scale of the emergency, Israel has reached out to other countries for help. The Foreign Ministry contacted nearby countries like Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that firefighting planes from Italy and Croatia would be arriving soon to support the efforts.
Firefighters and emergency medical workers have been positioned near the evacuated villages.
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Meanwhile, many residents expressed sadness and worry. A resident named Yuval Aharoni said that the authorities should have been better prepared, especially since the weather forecast had warned about the high risk of fire. He added that he was disappointed more firefighting planes were not ready to help earlier.
As the situation continues, all focus is on stopping the fire from reaching Jerusalem. Netanyahu said in a video message, “The western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of [Jerusalem] – and even into the city itself. At the moment, protecting Jerusalem is the first concern.
He added that more fire engines are being sent and that emergency workers are working to create firebreaks to stop the flames from spreading further.
The situation remains very dangerous, and firefighters are doing everything they can to protect lives, homes, and forests across the country.