Israel declares national emergency as wildfires rage across the country – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
According to a report by The Times of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a national emergency in response to the severe wildfires spreading across the country. On Wednesday, thick smoke was seen over highways near Jerusalem as firefighters rushed to control the blazes. Several people have been injured, and the army has been deployed to assist in managing the situation.
Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), described the fires as the worst of the year and said that hundreds of civilians are at risk. MDA reported that they have treated around 23 people so far, of whom 13 had to be hospitalized. Most were injured due to smoke inhalation and burns. Among the injured were two pregnant women and two infants under one year of age.
A maximum alert level has been issued, as firefighters struggle to bring the fires under control. Yuval Aharoni, a 40-year-old resident, told AFP, “It’s very sad because we knew the weather could be like this, we knew something like this could happen, yet it seems they didn’t have the big firefighting planes ready.”
Prime Minister's Warning
In light of the wildfires, Netanyahu warned: “The western winds can easily push the fire to the outskirts of Jerusalem – even into the city itself.” In a video message, he stated, “We must bring in as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks far beyond the current fire lines… We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one.” He emphasized, “The priority right now is to protect Jerusalem.”
Meanwhile, authorities have closed the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway, and residents were evacuated from an affected area after fires reignited. In a televised press conference, Fire Chief Eyal Caspi warned, “Due to the current weather conditions, our planes can do nothing... Our goal now is to save lives.” He added, “We are likely facing Israel’s largest fire in the past decade.”
Israeli police posted on X (formerly Twitter) that they have deployed forces along the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway and in the Jerusalem Hills area, urging the public “not to travel in these areas.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested the fires might have been intentionally set. Police reported they had arrested a resident of East Jerusalem, caught attempting to start a fire in a field in the city’s south. However, no official connection has yet been established between this individual and the broader wildfire outbreak.
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