Wildfires Near Jerusalem Force Evacuations, Close Major Highway

Wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of several communities and the closure of the main Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway as flames, fueled by hot, dry weather and strong winds, threatened residential areas and a Catholic monastery. Emergency services deployed around 120 firefighting teams, along with aircraft and helicopters, while Israel requested international assistance from countries including Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Cyprus. The fires coincided with Israel’s Memorial Day, leading to the cancellation of official ceremonies and the evacuation of the military memorial in Latrun. Videos showed residents fleeing on foot as flames approached, and authorities evacuated additional communities and hikers from local parks. Most of those hospitalized suffered from smoke inhalation, with no immediate reports of fatalities. This marks the second major wildfire in the region within a week, straining local emergency services as authorities prepare for further evacuations if conditions worsen.