Israel Cancels Independence Day as Wildfires Prompt Evacuations, International Aid Surge

Massive wildfires near Jerusalem, driven by strong winds and hot, dry conditions, forced Israel to cancel its annual Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony and other major festivities, as authorities closed major highways and evacuated at least ten communities. The fires scorched over 5,000 acres, making them the worst in a decade, and resulted in more than a dozen injuries but no fatalities. International assistance arrived swiftly, with several European countries sending firefighting aircraft to help contain the blazes. Firefighters and emergency services deployed significant resources, including over 160 crews and more than a dozen planes, as they battled to protect residential areas and natural reserves. Authorities imposed a nationwide ban on outdoor fires and urged extreme caution during holiday celebrations, citing ongoing risks due to weather conditions. Israeli officials also reported arrests related to suspected arson and noted that extremist groups had called for acts of arson on social media.