Israel declares emergency amid unprecedented wildfires

Israel is battling massive wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds, prompting evacuations of multiple towns between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and the closure of major highways.

The country has declared a national emergency and deployed military forces to combat the massive wildfire. 

The blaze has forced the closure of the main highway linking the capital to Tel Aviv, the country’s economic and tech hub.

At least 20 people have been injured, and over 25 aerial cargo drops have been conducted as part of the firefighting efforts.
Authorities have canceled all Independence Day events, scheduled for Thursday, to ensure emergency services remain fully available. 

Defense Minister Israel Katz described the fire, which is concentrated in villages southwest of Jerusalem, as a “national emergency.” 

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a general mobilization was underway.