Bet Shemesh, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a "national emergency" on Wednesday as rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem posed a significant threat to the city. Thick smoke billowed over highways as firefighters rushed to control the flames, which have already injured at least 22 individuals and prompted the military to deploy troops and resources to assist in the firefighting efforts.
According to Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency, hundreds of civilians were at risk from what has been described as the worst brushfires in years. MDA reported providing treatment to around 23 people, 13 of whom were taken to hospitals, primarily suffering from smoke inhalation and burns, including two pregnant women and two infants under a year old. The alert level for the situation was raised to its highest tier.
Speaking from near Modiin, resident Yuval Aharoni expressed frustration, stating, "It's just very sad because we knew the weather, we kind of knew that would happen and still we feel like they weren't ready enough with the big planes that can drop large amounts of water." Netanyahu echoed these concerns, warning that "the western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of (Jerusalem) — and even into the city itself." He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We need to bring as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines... We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one. The priority right now is defending Jerusalem."
In response to the escalating situation, police closed the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway and evacuated residents along the route. Student Yosef Aaron, who witnessed the fires from the highway, lamented, "A lot of police arrived, a lot of firefighters, but it didn't really help. The fire had already completely taken over the whole area here." Fire chief Eyal Caspi warned during a press conference that current weather conditions hindered aerial firefighting efforts, stating, "Our aircraft can't do anything right now due to the weather conditions... Our goal is to save lives. We are apparently facing the largest fire in Israel in a decade."
As of Thursday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had deployed troops from the Search and Rescue Brigade and a regional unit from Jerusalem, along with approximately 50 firetrucks from the Homefront Command and the Technological and Logistics Directorate. Dozens of engineering vehicles were also mobilized to create fire lines to prevent the blaze from spreading further.
Communities located about 19 miles west of Jerusalem were evacuated, with images from Israeli media showing firefighting teams battling fierce flames. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir hinted that arson might be a factor in the outbreak, as police arrested a resident of east Jerusalem who attempted to set fire to a field in the southern part of the city. Ben Gvir stated that police would arrest anyone "involved in arson terror," while also monitoring for unrest.
MDA positioned ambulance teams near communities at risk from the fires, ready to provide medical treatment and assist residents. High temperatures and strong winds have allowed the fires to spread rapidly, prompting evacuations from at least five communities, according to police statements. In light of the emergency, the foreign ministry reached out to nearby countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria, for assistance. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Israel and offered "material support" for firefighting efforts.
On Thursday, three aircraft from Italy and Croatia were expected to arrive to aid in combating the wildfires. With personnel stretched thin, Ben Gvir instructed organizers to cancel any evening events associated with Thursday's Independence Day celebrations, stating, "The decision is aimed at reallocating forces to deal with the fire... and preparing for the worsening weather conditions according to forecasts."
As the fire continued to rage, it coincided with Israel’s Independence Day, typically a time for large family gatherings and cookouts in parks and forests. This year, however, Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services cautioned the public to stay away from parks and forests and to exercise extreme caution while lighting barbecues. The timing of the wildfire was particularly unfortunate as it fell on Israel’s Memorial Day, a significant period of remembrance.
At the Latrun Monastery northwest of Jerusalem, firefighters worked diligently to manage hot spots, with smoke rising into the air amidst a landscape scarred by the flames. Despite some areas being under control, firefighters remained on high alert, fearing that stronger winds could exacerbate the situation. Shmulik Friedman, the Jerusalem District Fire and Rescue commander, described the fires as potentially the largest in Israel’s history, with approximately 5,000 acres burned, including around 3,200 acres of forest.
As of Thursday, there were dozens of active fire centers concentrated in the Jerusalem Hills between the city and Tel Aviv. Friedman noted that firefighting efforts would likely continue until at least Saturday, May 3, 2025. Ninety-three firefighting and rescue teams were deployed to various fire spots near Jerusalem, with reports of 20 firefighters sustaining minor injuries during the operations.
The fires, which began on April 30, 2025, have forced evacuations from at least nine communities, although residents were allowed to return as of Thursday afternoon. The main highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem had been closed but reopened Thursday morning, providing some relief for those affected by the chaos. The IDF has been instructed to assist as needed, deploying search-and-rescue brigade members, firefighting teams, fire trucks, aerial observation aircraft, and a heavy transport plane to drop fire retardants.
As the situation develops, authorities remain focused on controlling the wildfires and ensuring the safety of residents in the affected areas. The community’s resilience, combined with the support of neighboring countries and emergency services, will be crucial in navigating this challenging crisis.
