Wildfires raged across Israel, prompting Prime Minister Netanyahu to declare a national emergency. The blazes erupted near the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, leading to its closure and the evacuation of thousands. High winds intensified the flames, disrupting Independence Day celebrations. Firefighters battled relentlessly to contain the spreading inferno, a stark backdrop to the nation's anniversary.

The intense fires forced hundreds from their homes west of Jerusalem, even interrupting a live news broadcast. Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, linked the disaster to the ongoing climate crisis, urging immediate attention. Amidst political tensions and recent public clashes, Herzog also called for unity and an end to societal polarization during this challenging time for the nation.

Israel's military swiftly joined the firefighting efforts in Jerusalem and surrounding central districts. Engineering vehicles worked through the night, creating barriers to halt the fire's advance through the trees. The air force actively assisted, with aircraft dropping substantial amounts of fire retardant. A large contingent of ground crews and aircraft worked tirelessly to bring the widespread flames under control.

Medical services reported treating numerous individuals for smoke inhalation and burns, including several injured firefighters. Eyewitness accounts described terrifying "walls of flame" engulfing woodland areas. While conditions improved somewhat with reduced winds and light rain, concerns arose regarding the initial response speed of emergency services and the availability of large water-dropping aircraft.

International assistance arrived as firefighting aircraft from several European nations joined the operation. A fire service commander described the event as potentially the largest wildfire in the country's history, anticipating a prolonged containment effort. While a government minister suggested possible deliberate causes, authorities have not yet presented any evidence to support such claims regarding the origin of the devastating blazes.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/01/israel-fires-wildfires-jerusalem