Wildfires Near Jerusalem Trigger Mass Evacuations and National Emergency

Massive wildfires sweeping across areas near Jerusalem on Wednesday have forced widespread evacuations and shut down major roads, as emergency crews battle to control the fast-moving flames fueled by dry weather and powerful winds.

Officials are calling it one of the worst fire events in Israel’s history.

“This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,” said Shmulik Friedman, commander of the Jerusalem District Fire Department. He warned that winds exceeding 60 miles per hour are expected soon—conditions that could send the fires spiraling further out of control.

The flames are active on multiple fronts, with one of the most dangerous zones near the town of Neve Shalom, about 15 miles west of Jerusalem. Videos shared on social media show thick smoke engulfing parts of the highway as people fled on foot, some abandoning their cars along the road.

Authorities closed Route 1, the major highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as the fires intensified—an especially painful disruption on Israel’s Memorial Day. Emergency responders from United Hatzalah were seen checking abandoned vehicles for stranded individuals, racing against time in hazardous conditions.

“We don’t know at this time what caused the fire. We don’t have even a bit of a clue,” Friedman admitted. “We are far from control.”

This fire follows another recent blaze in the same region, though no official connection has been made between the two.

Israel is seeking international assistance, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reaching out to nearby European countries for firefighting aid. According to Israel’s National Security Council, three aircraft from Italy and Macedonia are expected to arrive soon to help in the effort.

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared the situation a “national emergency,” urging all resources to be mobilized to save lives and contain the fires.

At least 10 communities in the area have been evacuated so far. Over a dozen people have been hospitalized due to the fires, according to Shamir and Kaplan Medical Centers.

Hadassah Medical Center, located just outside Jerusalem, has urged the public to stay away unless absolutely necessary. The hospital has already started discharging stable patients to make room for potential fire-related casualties.

More than 120 firefighting teams and 12 firefighting aircraft and helicopters are currently deployed. Despite their efforts, officials emphasize that the fire remains dangerous and unpredictable.