Israel's Wildfires Mostly Contained After Mass Evacuations

After extensive firefighting efforts, the wildfires that threatened numerous communities in central Israel appear to be under control.

Fires that have plagued large areas of central Israel since Wednesday are largely under control, according to the country's Fire and Rescue Authority. Windy conditions and high temperatures contributed to the blazes which burned approximately 20 square kilometers (7.7 square miles) in the Latrun region, situated between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Over 150 firefighting teams worked tirelessly to combat the fire, with reports indicating at least 12 individuals were treated for smoke inhalation and 17 firefighters sustained injuries. So far, no deaths have been reported. A notable commander from the Ayalon fire station described these fires as among the most severe he has encountered in his 24-year tenure. In light of the devastation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency, prompting significant evacuations, although the evacuation order for 12 towns near Jerusalem has since been lifted. International assistance has been provided, with aircraft from France, Italy, and Spain aiding in containment efforts. The fires disrupted Independence Day celebrations, leading to the cancellation of many official events and a nationwide barbecue ban. A critical highway connector between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv has reopened, but confusion surrounding the fire's origins persists. President Isaac Herzog attributed the fires to the climate crisis, while Netanyahu accused arsonists, claiming 18 arrests were made. However, police clarified that only three individuals remain detained, with no conclusive links established to the wildfires.