Wildfires tore through the outskirts of Jerusalem on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of multiple communities, closing a major highway, and prompting Israel to appeal for international assistance as emergency services battled to control the fast-moving blaze.
Thick smoke blanketed the hilltops around the capital, as flames encroached on Route 1, the main highway linking Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Television footage showed panicked residents fleeing on foot, abandoning their vehicles as the fire approached.
Rescue service members work at a road as wildfires rage following extreme heat and winds, near Jerusalem, April 30, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
The blazes, driven by extreme heat and strong winds, broke out in central Israel, near Latrun, and quickly spread across the dry landscape. At least 13 people were injured, though no fatalities have been reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Italy and Croatia were sending three firefighting planes to assist. Israel has also requested aid from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, according to the Foreign Ministry.
The wildfires come at a particularly sensitive time, breaking out on Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and leading to the cancellation of several major public events, including the state Independence Day ceremony that was to be held in Jerusalem.
A drone view shows smoke rising near Latrun, a day after wildfires broke out due to extreme heat and winds, in central Israel, May 1, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Israeli media reported that 120 fire and rescue units had mobilized dozens of ground teams, aircraft, and helicopters in an urgent effort to contain the fires. The Israeli military also deployed search and rescue forces to support operations on the ground.
Three communities in the affected area were evacuated as a precaution, police confirmed.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
