Massive wildfires have erupted across Israel, prompting widespread evacuations, severe traffic disruptions, and heightened national alert. As strong winds and dry weather fuel the flames, emergency services are battling blazes from the hills surrounding Jerusalem to the northern Galilee region.
Evacuations and Event Cancellations
In the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council, west of Jerusalem, authorities have ordered the full evacuation of five communities: Beit Meir, Eshtaol, Mesilat Zion, Neve Shalom, and Nahshon. As a result, all Independence Day events in those areas have been canceled. Additional towns — including Tarum, Taoz, Tzalfon, Gizo, Kfar Uriya, Har’el, and Beko’a — are on evacuation alert, and local leadership has instructed them to cancel celebrations as a precaution.
In other parts of the region, events may proceed as planned, but residents are under strict orders not to light fires or use any flammable materials during the festivities.
Jerusalem Hospital Issues Public Warning
The Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem issued a statement urging the public to avoid coming to the hospital unless absolutely necessary, due to the shifting direction of strong winds. While there is currently no immediate threat to the facility, the center is preparing for possible encroachment by nearby fires. Emergency services remain fully operational, and urgent cases are still being admitted.
Critical Fire Zones and Firefighting Operations
Israel Fire and Rescue Services reported at least 14 active fire sites across the northern region. In Afula, a fast-moving fire is advancing toward Highway 65 and nearby buildings, with firefighters working urgently to halt its progress. In the Lower Galilee, crews are responding to a large mountainside blaze near Rumat al-Heib. While the situation there is currently under control, it remains volatile.
Four firefighting teams are also working near Ramat Tzvi (Gilboa), where another large open-area fire is burning, though it poses no immediate threat to residential buildings.
Twelve northern fire crews have been redeployed to the Jerusalem hills to support ongoing containment efforts in central Israel. In addition, five specialized firefighting ATVs from the “Chariots of Fire” program are already operating in the field, with 35 more en route.
Fears of Arson and Incitement
In a troubling development, Arabic-language Telegram channels operating in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) have circulated messages encouraging the ignition of additional fires across Israel. While Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, has not yet launched a formal investigation, the statements have raised significant concern among security officials. Monitoring and preventive efforts are underway to track potential threats and deter acts of arson.
Highways Closed Nationwide
Due to the wildfires, several major roads have been completely closed:
– Highway 1 is shut down in both directions from the Anava Interchange to the Sha’ar HaGai Interchange.
– Highway 3 is closed from the Latrun Interchange to the Nahshon Junction.
– Northbound Highway 38 is blocked at Sha’ar HaGai.
– Highway 44 is closed between the Shimshon Interchange and the Nahshon Junction.
Critical Firefighting at Gas Station Near Mesilat Zion
A key point of concern has been a fire near Highway 1, where flames have approached a gas station in Mesilat Zion. Firefighters are working urgently to create firebreaks around the facility and cool the surrounding area to prevent ignition.
Fire Chief Statement
Northern Fire District Commander Yair Elkayam stated:
“Firefighters in the north have extensive experience battling large-scale wildfires in open and forested areas. We have deployed skilled, professional units to support operations in the Jerusalem region. Our rapid response, coordination capabilities, and specialized equipment — including fire ATVs — are now being utilized nationwide. At the same time, we’re facing numerous active fires in the north. I urge the public not to light fires and to allow crews to carry out their life-saving work.”
National Context
The fires come amid ongoing heat and wind conditions that have made Israel’s forests and rural areas especially vulnerable. The situation has disrupted holiday celebrations for Israel’s 76th Independence Day, and authorities are now treating the events as a national emergency.
Emergency services, the military, and civilian volunteers remain on high alert as the fires continue to spread.
Photo Credit: press secretary of Israeli police
