Watch: Wildfires in Israel Force Mass Evacuations Near Jerusalem as Emergency Declared

Israel is grappling with an escalating wildfire crisis that has scorched central regions near Jerusalem, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a national emergency. Described as the most intense wildfires in Israel in over a decade, they have already displaced thousands, shut down major highways, and pushed emergency services to their limits.

Sparked by a deadly combination of intense heat and gale-force winds, the fires broke out west of Jerusalem, rapidly spreading towards towns and neighborhoods. Thick smoke covered sections of the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv corridor, prompting authorities to shut down the critical highway and evacuate several communities.

Wildfires in Israel burned 23 alive

The wildfires in Israel have burned at least 23 individuals, including babies and expectant mothers, with many suffering from burns or smoke inhalation. Hospitals throughout the area are on standby, and emergency shelters have been set up to take in evacuees.

Firefighters and rescue forces, including military units, have been sent across hotspots, but authorities maintain that the fight is against the odds. Fire Chief Eyal Caspi confirmed that airborne firefighting operations were suspended because of dangerous wind conditions. “This is a life-saving mission now,” he stated, adding that the situation could grow worse if conditions continue this way.

Adding to the tension, police detained a man from East Jerusalem on suspicion of attempted arson, although authorities have not verified whether the act was connected to the wider outbreak of wildfires. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested the possibility of organized arson, a charge that remains under investigation.

To meet the deteriorating situation, Israel has called for international assistance. Italian and Croatian firefighting planes are due to arrive imminently, with assistance from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria also being organized.

Scenes around Latrun depicted the mayhem: fire advancing towards highways, motorists leaving cars behind, and residents standing by as smoke engulfed the horizon. In Modiin, anger boiled over, with locals asking why fire prevention measures had not been taken, considering well-documented seasonal fire hazards.

As the crisis escalates, Netanyahu’s government comes under increasing pressure to control both the fire and the fear, with containment and safety now taking center stage before recovery can even start.

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