Massive Wildfires Rage in Jerusalem Hills: Over 24,000 Dunams Burned as Israel Declares National Emergency

Watan-Israeli authorities announced on Thursday that more than 24,000 dunams (nearly 6,000 acres) have been scorched by massive wildfires in the Jerusalem hills, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency measures. The fires, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, continue to burn across nine active sites between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “national emergency”, warning that the fires could reach the capital. “We need to mobilize all firetrucks and establish firebreaks beyond the current lines,” he said.

Key Areas Affected:

• Beit Meir

• Shoresh

• Sha’ar HaGai

• Neve Ilan

• Mesilat Zion

• Neve Shalom

• Eshtaol Forest

• Canada Park

• Anava Park

According to early estimates from the Jewish National Fund, 24,000 dunams have burned so far, with Canada Park entirely consumed. The Eshtaol Forest and Derach Burma area have also sustained heavy damage.

Emergency Response & Health Concerns

• 163 fire crews, 21 4×4 vehicles, and Simshon aircraft are on-site.

• 12 firefighting planes are expected to join operations today.

• 20 civilians and 12 firefighters were injured, including Fire Commissioner Eyal Kaspi.

Major roads, including the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway, have been closed. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from at-risk towns. Among key evacuations:

• Eitanim Psychiatric Hospital (104 patients)

• Protea Senior Home

• Retorno Youth Rehab Center

The Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem is on partial evacuation alert. Patients may be moved to fireproof floors or outside the facility if flames approach.

 Infrastructure & Transport at Risk

Fearing fire damage to power networks, rail services are being shifted to diesel engines as a precaution. Firefighting helicopters continue suppression efforts.

Investigations & Arson Fears

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested possible arson, citing an arrest of an East Jerusalem resident allegedly caught attempting to start fires. Though no official link to the wildfires has been confirmed, Shin Bet is now involved in the investigation.

Ben Gvir ordered 14,000 emergency personnel and police to patrol nationwide and canceled Independence Day celebrations to reallocate firefighting resources.

 International Aid & Diplomatic Outreach

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar appealed to European and regional allies for urgent help. Aid pledged so far includes:

• France: Firefighting aircraft

• Spain, Romania, Croatia, Italy: Helicopters and supplies

• Additional outreach: UK, Sweden, Czech Republic, Argentina, North Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria

Three aircraft from Italy and Croatia are expected to arrive imminently.

Internal Tensions Emerge

The crisis has exposed tensions between Israel’s military and police. According to Maariv, the Israeli Air Force accused Ben Gvir of misrepresenting coordination efforts over firefighting aircraft deployments.