The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared a national emergency as fast-moving wildfires near Jerusalem threaten to spread into the city. The situation is described as “critical” due to the severity and extent of the fires.
Dense smoke was observed near Jerusalem highways, with fire brigades and military personnel actively trying to contain blazes that have already injured several individuals. According to Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service, hundreds of people are at risk, and multiple individuals have received treatment for smoke inhalation and burns, including pregnant women and infants.
Netanyahu, speaking from a location near fires burning close to Modiin, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that strong Western winds could drive the fire towards Jerusalem. He stressed the need for maximum firefighting resources and the establishment of firebreaks to control the spread of the fires.
The police have closed key roads, including the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv route, and are evacuating residents as fires reignite in areas previously affected a week ago. Firefighters and the military are struggling to control the flames, with Fire Chief Eyal Caspi stating that the current weather conditions are hindering the effectiveness of aircraft in combating the fires.
Netanyahu’s office has reached out to neighboring countries, such as Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria, for assistance and is expecting three aircraft from Italy and Croatia to bolster fire-fighting efforts soon.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/01/israel-fires-wildfires-jerusalem
