Netanyahu Declares National Emergency as Wildfires Threaten Jerusalem

Massive wildfires raging near Jerusalem have prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a national emergency, warning that the flames could soon reach the outskirts of the capital city.

The fast-spreading fires—some of the worst in years—have already injured several people, forced mass evacuations, and disrupted transportation as authorities scramble to contain the crisis.

Dense clouds of smoke blanketed major highways, particularly the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv route, which police have now closed. Residents along the highway and in surrounding communities have been evacuated, with thousands forced to flee their homes.

According to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, at least 23 people have received medical treatment, including two pregnant women and two infants under a year old. Thirteen people were hospitalized, mostly due to smoke inhalation and burns. The agency has raised its alert level to the highest possible tier.

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Speaking from near the fire zone in Modiin, Prime Minister Netanyahu warned, “The western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of Jerusalem—and even into the city itself.”

In a video statement, he stressed the urgency of the situation, calling for additional fire engines and the construction of firebreaks beyond the current fire lines. The priority right now is defending Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said, underscoring the gravity of the emergency.

Israel’s fire chief, Eyal Caspi, described the situation as possibly the largest wildfire Israel has faced in a decade. In a press conference, he said firefighting aircraft were temporarily grounded due to hazardous weather conditions, leaving emergency crews to focus solely on saving lives.

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Local residents have voiced frustration over what they see as a lack of preparedness. “We knew the weather, we knew the risk—and still, the response felt delayed,” said Yuval Aharoni, a resident near Modiin.

To bolster efforts, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that firefighting aircraft from Italy and Croatia are en route to assist. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has ordered the cancellation of Independence Day events that require emergency personnel, redirecting those resources to the firefighting effort.

“This decision aims to free up critical manpower for what could be an even more dangerous situation as weather conditions worsen,” the ministry said in a statement.

With the wildfire threat continuing to escalate and high winds forecast to persist, authorities are urging the public to stay away from the Jerusalem Hills and surrounding areas. Emergency services remain on high alert as the nation focuses on protecting lives and preventing further devastation.