Israel’s largest wildfire ever? Police rescue civilians as blazes close in on Jerusalem

“This May Be Israel’s Largest Fire Ever,” Says Fire Chief as Wildfires Rage Near Jerusalem; International Assistance Mobilized

Massive wildfires are still sweeping through the Jerusalem Hills and Beit Shemesh areas, forcing widespread evacuations as high winds continue to fuel the flames. Firefighting officials warn that the blaze, which began Wednesday morning and has rapidly spread throughout the day, could be one of the largest fires in Israeli history.

According to Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority, multiple active wildfire centers have ignited across the region, prompting urgent evacuation orders. In the evening, residents of Shoresh, Neve Ilan, and Yad Shmonah, all communities near Jerusalem, were instructed to evacuate as the fires advanced dangerously close. Earlier in the day, evacuations were carried out in Neve Shalom, Bekoa, Ta’oz, Nachshon, and Mesilat Tzion.

Police and rescue teams have been working tirelessly to evacuate civilians, often under extreme and dangerous conditions. On Highway 1, the main route between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles as the fire approached. Rescue forces pulled several people from smoke-filled cars, and emergency crews removed highway barriers to allow trapped vehicles to escape. Twelve individuals were treated for smoke inhalation.

Fire Chief Eyal Caspi and Jerusalem District Commander Shmulik Friedman acknowledged the scope of the disaster, with Friedman stating, “We are perhaps dealing with the largest fire that has ever occurred in the country.” He cited winds of up to 100 km/h as a major challenge, and added that while conditions calmed slightly, they were expected to worsen overnight.

The fires have also triggered suspicions of arson, with additional fires erupting in Elad and other northern and southern regions. The Shin Bet is now involved in investigating these incidents. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared a national emergency and ordered IDF forces, including the elite Unit 669 rescue unit, to assist.

Approximately 120 firefighting teams, 10 planes, and four helicopters have been deployed to fight the blaze. Command centers were established in Latrun and Eshtaol to coordinate efforts, and both National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu have joined the field operations.

Israel has urgently requested international assistance, with Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Belgium, and other nations pledging to send firefighting aircraft. Meanwhile, police continue to aid in evacuations and road closures, ensuring civilians are safely removed from areas as close to Jerusalem as Neve Ilan.