Israel Battles Large Wildfires Near Jerusalem

Wildfires in central Israel have largely been brought under control after raging for several days, according to the country's Fire and Rescue Authority. Over 150 teams fought the blaze, which scorched around 20 sq km of land between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. At least 12 people were treated for smoke inhalation and 17 firefighters were injured. A national emergency was declared and hundreds of people were evacuated, but an evacuation order for 12 towns has since been lifted. The cause of the fire is disputed, with some attributing it to the climate crisis and others blaming arsonists.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency due to rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem, warning they could reach the city. Thick smoke billowed above highways as firefighters rushed to control the fires, which have injured several people and prompted evacuations. The Israel Defense Forces deployed troops to help, and the country's Magen David Adom rescue agency reported hundreds of civilians were at risk. At least 23 people were treated for injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns. Netanyahu urged bringing more fire engines and creating firebreaks beyond the current fire lines, prioritizing the defense of Jerusalem. Communities were evacuated, and the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed. The police and IDF are working to contain the fires, with assistance being sought from nearby countries, including Italy and Croatia.

A massive wildfire in Israel has burned around 5,000 acres of land near Jerusalem, forcing drivers to flee their cars and prompting an international response with firefighting planes arriving from several countries. At least 12 people were treated in hospital, mostly for smoke inhalation, but no homes were damaged. The fire, described as the most significant in a decade, was largely contained after emergency crews battled the blaze, with conditions attributed to climate change.