Military Deployed as Wildfires Rage Near Jerusalem

Wednesday 30 April 2025 - 13:36

By: Zahouani Ilham

Military Deployed as Wildfires Rage Near Jerusalem

Amid fast-spreading wildfires west of Jerusalem, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a national emergency and ordered military forces to help contain the crisis. High winds and scorching temperatures have fueled the fires, which threaten several communities.

Authorities closed the highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, evacuating towns along this key route—an area that had already suffered from similar fires just a week earlier. Gallant emphasized that all available forces must be mobilized to safeguard lives and gain control over the disaster.

At least five towns located around 30 kilometers from Jerusalem were evacuated, according to police sources. Flames have engulfed large wooded areas between Latrun and Beit Shemesh, prompting helicopter deployments to fight the fires.

Many drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles, fleeing on foot as thick smoke blanketed the road. Emergency medical teams, including ambulance crews, motorcycle responders, and intensive care units, have been stationed near the affected communities to assist those in need.

MDA paramedic Saar Shai reported that motorcycle units were dispatched to reach people trapped in traffic. In forested areas near Neve Shalom and Eshtaol, mobile emergency units continue to provide support as firefighting efforts intensify.

Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, personally visited the affected areas and stated in a video message that increased support is being delivered to residents in danger.

Due to the severe weather, Minister Miri Regev announced the cancellation of the main Independence Day ceremony that was scheduled for Wednesday evening in Jerusalem.

This comes just a week after similar fires nearly reached the capital, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider seeking international assistance, which ultimately proved unnecessary. Seasonal wildfires are common in Israel during the spring and summer due to extreme heat.