Wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds erupted near Jerusalem on Wednesday, leading to the evacuation of several communities and the closure of a major highway. The fires broke out as Israel observed Memorial Day, a time when many visit gravesites to honor fallen soldiers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the situation a national emergency. The main Route 1 highway connecting Jerusalem to Tel Aviv was shut down near the fire site, causing significant disruptions. Police reported that three communities had been evacuated and urged others to prepare for possible evacuation.
“Based on assessments of the fire’s spread, we’ve instructed teams to prepare for the potential evacuation of additional communities,” the police stated. Television footage showed flames along the highway and people abandoning cars to flee the advancing fires.
The Fire and Rescue Service had previously issued warnings due to extreme conditions increasing the risk of wildfires. Bonfires were prohibited through May 7, and citizens were advised to light barbecues only in authorized areas during Israel’s 77th Independence Day celebrations beginning Thursday night.
Over 120 fire and rescue services mobilized dozens of firefighting teams, aircraft, and helicopters to combat the blazes. Reports indicate that 12 people suffered from smoke inhalation. Israel has requested assistance from Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, and Cyprus to help contain the fires.
The military’s Chief of Staff ordered the Home Front Command, Air Force, and all Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units to assist as needed. Search and Rescue forces from the IDF Search and Rescue Brigade and Air Force fire trucks are actively working to extinguish the fires and evacuate residents in the Jerusalem Hills area.
