Israel Battles Largest Wildfires in a Decade, Declares National Emergency

 Jerusalem, May 1 — Israel is confronting its most severe wildfires in over a decade, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a national emergency as flames threaten the outskirts of Jerusalem and force mass evacuations across central regions of the country.

Speaking in a video statement on Wednesday, Netanyahu warned that strong western winds were accelerating the fires’ spread. “The western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of [Jerusalem] – and even into the city itself,” he cautioned. “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.”

The fires have injured at least 23 individuals, including two pregnant women and two infants, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service. Thirteen of the injured were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and burn-related injuries. MDA has elevated its alert status to the highest level, positioning ambulance teams near vulnerable communities.

Near the city of Modiin, resident Yuval Aharoni, 40, described the sense of helplessness: “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.”

As flames advanced toward urban centers, the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv was shut down. Residents of communities along the route were evacuated, with thousands forced from their homes. Eyewitnesses described dramatic scenes of drivers abandoning their vehicles as flames approached.

“Fire had already completely taken over the whole area here,” said student Yosef Aaron, speaking from the side of the highway with fires visible in the distance.

Israel Fire and Rescue Services Commissioner Eyal Caspi stated during a televised briefing that aerial firefighting efforts were temporarily suspended due to adverse weather. “Our aircraft can’t do anything right now due to the weather conditions. Our goal is to save lives,” he said, confirming that the country was likely experiencing “the largest fire in Israel in a decade.”

Helicopters and firefighting teams were observed battling the blaze in wooded regions near Latrun and Bet Shemesh. Soldiers were deployed mid-afternoon to assist emergency crews in containment efforts.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who oversees the fire service, visited affected areas and confirmed that preparations were underway to reinforce firefighting operations and evacuate stranded civilians. In a separate video statement, he hinted at the possibility of arson, revealing that police had detained a resident of east Jerusalem suspected of attempting to ignite a field in the city’s southern district. Authorities have yet to establish a direct link between that incident and the larger wildfires.

With high temperatures and strong winds fueling the crisis, police confirmed evacuations from at least five communities located roughly 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem. Thick smoke continues to engulf large stretches of the region.

The foreign ministry has requested international support, reaching out to Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria for firefighting assistance. Netanyahu’s office later confirmed that firefighting aircraft from Italy and Croatia would be arriving shortly.

As the situation develops, authorities continue to urge the public to stay clear of affected areas and follow emergency guidance.