Israel Declares 'National Emergency' As Wildfire Sweeps Through Jerusalem
A National State of Emergency has been declared in Israel as the country blazes amid intense wildfires, along with a sandstorm. Huge fires are rapidly spreading across the Jerusalem Hills, a mountainous region near the capital.
The wildfire struck as Israel was observing Memorial Day, ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Reportedly, several public events have been cancelled. Residents in the nearby settlements have been evacuated.
A national state of emergency has been declared here in Israel due to the fires. Praying for everyone’s safety. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bdaAwJZOKv
— Tiny Info (@adnankhan280186) May 1, 2025
A fierce wildfire forced the closure of the main highway connecting Tel Aviv with Jerusalem. As per the reports, at least 12 individuals have been hospitalised after the Jerusalem skyline was covered by the thick smoke.
Read also: Massive Wildfire Forces Evacuation In Jerusalem: Five Key Points
Several vehicles are trapped along the highway as flames rapidly spread through the nearby areas, prompting the emergency evacuation of people. Reportedly, entire communities, home to thousands, were cleared out.
Israel has requested international assistance, with Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Cyprus sending firefighting resources. French President Emmanuel Macron has showed full solidarity with Israel to fight against the spreading wildfires.
Pleine solidarité avec le peuple israélien qui fait face à de terribles incendies. Nos pensées vont aux blessés et aux secouristes qui luttent avec courage. La France est prête à apporter un soutien matériel dès les prochaines heures.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 30, 2025
Experts say wildfires are caused by an abundance of dry vegetation and strong winds, and are sparked by negligence, with lightning strikes rare in the dry summer months. As climate changes show a period of intense heat and dryness becoming longer and more frequent, the wildfire hazard is only expected to grow.
However, the ruling government has come under scrutiny after the spread of the fierce wildfire even after the reports and indications about the changing climate and lack of preparedness of Israel to handle the wildfires.
