Massive wildfires swept through western Jerusalem on Wednesday, threatening both civilian areas and military installations. As flames rapidly expanded, Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency, calling for international assistance and evacuating entire communities.
The fires — which began early in the day in the Jerusalem Hills — quickly escalated due to intense heat and powerful winds, forcing road closures and disrupting transportation between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Out of Control: Fires Spread Near Strategic Roads and Bases
Flames engulfed areas along Highway 1, a main artery linking Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, injuring at least 22 people and severely impairing visibility.
“We are still far from gaining control over the massive fire,” said the Israeli fire chief in occupied Jerusalem.
Fire authorities admitted that the earliest they could hope for control would be the following morning, citing dangerous conditions and spreading hotspots.
Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that entire fire crews were trapped in the hills west of Jerusalem, encircled by advancing flames.
Army Deployed, Emergency Declared
In response, Israel’s Defense Minister ordered military units to support civilian firefighting efforts, describing the situation as a “national emergency.”
“We must mobilise all available forces to save lives and contain the fires,” he said.
Multiple fires reportedly surrounded Israeli soldiers stationed at a military base near the western outskirts of Jerusalem, raising alarms about safety within strategic compounds.
Evacuations and Infrastructure Disruptions
The fires forced the evacuation of residents from 8 towns, as well as the evacuation of patients from Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital due to smoke infiltration.
Train services between Jerusalem and Ben Gurion International Airport were suspended, and emergency officials estimated hundreds of civilians were in immediate danger.
The Israeli Police posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), urging the public to avoid travel along Highway 1 and the surrounding Jerusalem Hills region.
“Massive flames along the Latrun–Beit Shemesh route prompted drivers to abandon their vehicles and flee on foot,” reported Israeli media.
Photos showed dense smoke, widespread visibility loss, and people suffering from suffocation due to smoke inhalation. At least 12 individuals were hospitalised.
Arson Allegations Spark Tensions
Initial reports blamed the fire on extreme weather — soaring temperatures and strong winds. But within hours, Israeli authorities arrested three suspects allegedly linked to arson in the Jerusalem Mountains.
Channel 14 claimed the fires were deliberately set, not accidental.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir seized the moment to accuse Palestinians of involvement and even called for their execution, further fanning the flames of racism and incitement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that firefighting aircraft from Italy and Croatia would soon join Israel’s efforts — a move seen as desperate amid spiralling losses.
Wildfires Disrupt “Independence Day” Celebrations
The wildfires erupted as Israel began its annual commemorations of its 1948 founding — on stolen Palestinian land, a date remembered by Palestinians as al-Nakba (The Catastrophe).
The inferno forced the cancellation of multiple state events marking the 77th anniversary of the establishment of Israel.
Emergency services announced they could not participate in “Independence Day” security due to fire response efforts, and several celebratory events were formally called off.
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