Wildfires Spread Near Jerusalem as Israel Evacuates Towns, Considers Requesting International Aid

Israeli authorities evacuated several towns west of Jerusalem on Wednesday as wildfires rapidly spread across the region, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider appealing for international assistance.

According to Israeli police and local media, towns located approximately 20 kilometers from Jerusalem were evacuated as firefighters rushed to contain the advancing blazes. Netanyahu instructed officials to open communication channels with Greece and other countries in case global support is needed.

Channel 12 reported that three firefighters were injured while battling the flames in the Jerusalem Hills area. In response, the Israeli government declared a nationwide mobilization of firefighting personnel.

Police announced on X (formerly Twitter) the evacuation of residents from towns between Beit Meir, Eshtaol, and Mesilat Zion, while train services in several areas were suspended due to the blaze.

The police commissioner issued orders for officers to remain on high alert through the night, continuing road and town operations using all available systems—including aerial surveillance tools.

The Maariv newspaper stated that the police chief instructed all firefighting units to maintain maximum alert in an effort to prevent the wildfires from spreading further.

Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority reported that 11 firefighting aircraft and more than 100 ground crews from across the country were engaged in efforts to contain the fires raging near Eshtaol in the Jerusalem hills.

Earlier in the day, units from the Israeli army were also deployed to assist with firefighting operations as extreme heat fueled the spread of the fires between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

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