Israel experiences severe wildfires on the outskirts of Jerusalem, prompting evacuations and heightened firefighting efforts. Authorities are on alert for wind changes that could exacerbate the situation.
Wildfires Challenge Israel Near Jerusalem as Firefighters Battle Flames
Wildfires Challenge Israel Near Jerusalem as Firefighters Battle Flames
Authorities race against time to control wildfires threatening the Jerusalem area, as changing winds could complicate firefighting efforts.
Firefighters in Israel continue their valiant fight against wildfires that have erupted near Jerusalem for a second consecutive day, with hopes of extinguishing some of the most intense blazes witnessed in recent years. Authorities allowed the reopening of the main highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, enabling evacuees from affected areas to return home following disruptions caused by the fires amid the Independence Day celebrations.
Despite significant progress in curtailing the flames, the firefighters face the urgent challenge of gaining full control before strong winds are predicted to pick up later in the day. "We’re doing everything we can to finish in the coming hours because the wind gusts can bring us back to where we started," warned Tal Volvovitch, a spokeswoman for Israel’s fire and rescue service.
The precise cause of the wildfires remains uncertain; however, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that 18 individuals had been detained on suspicion of arson, with one caught in the act. On Wednesday, he pointed out that the combination of high winds, dry conditions, and open shrub-covered areas contributed to the dangerous situation. On Thursday, law enforcement arrested a 19-year-old from a Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem for allegedly expressing support for the fires on social media.
To bolster firefighting efforts, planes from Croatia, Italy, and Cyprus were scheduled to assist in dousing the flames. While the Palestinian Authority has offered to assist, fire service officials suggested they would not participate, unlike in 2021 when Palestinian firefighters collaborated with Israeli crews during a similar incident.
In response to the ongoing wildfires, Israel’s fire and rescue service issued a ban on lighting fires in open spaces until May 7, although barbecue gatherings in designated areas remain permitted. This aligns with the annual tradition of many Israelis celebrating Independence Day in parks and beaches with outdoor cookouts.
