Fiery Crisis Near Jerusalem: Netanyahu Warns of Dangerous Spread
Israel Declares National Emergency Over Wildfires; Jerusalem Perceived as Potential Risk, According to Prime Minister Netanyahu
In a bitter fight against raging wildfires close to the holy city of Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning, fearing the flames could hopscotch towards the city itself. The prime minister alluded to the influence of western winds that could easily fan the flames toward the city's outskirts and deeper.
The relentless wildfires, which have triggered a state of emergency, are spreading rapidly, engulfing highways and nearby areas in thick smoke. This smoky haze has forced evacuations and left several people injuredd. Over 23 individuals sought medical assistance, with 13 of them being hospitalized—principally due to smoke inhalation and burns. In the distressing toll, the group included two expectant mothers and two infants under a year old [2].
The main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was sealed off, with residents along the route being evicted as blazes resurfaced in the already disaster-stricken area. entire communities, housing thousands, were emptied.
"Despite numerous fire trucks and police officers pouring in, it was futile. The fire had already swallowed the entire area," shared Yosef Aaron, a student speaking to AFP from the roadside with the distant fires still visible [3].
Security minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested arson could be behind the fires. Police have detained an East Jerusalem resident caught attempting to torch a field in the southern region of the city [2]. However, no formal connection has been established between this fire and the ongoing wildfires.
Worried about the impending danger, Netanyahu expressed his concern, stating, "We must bring as many fire engines as possible and establish firebreaks far beyond the existing fire lines... Right now, we find ourselves in a national crisis, not just a local one. Our top priority at the moment is safeguarding Jerusalem."
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his support for Israel and offered "material aid" via a social media post [3]. Heeding the global appeal for aid, Netanyahu's office announced that three aircraft from Italy and Croatia would soon join the efforts to quell the fires [4].
With AFP inputs
Israel, Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu, Wildfires, National Emergency
*Emergency measures, global assistance, potential Jerusalem infiltration by flames, arson allegations, injured civilians, previous wildfires in the area[2, 3, 4]
- Amidst the ongoing national crisis due to the wildfires near Jerusalem, French President Emmanuel Macron has offered material aid to Israel.
- In the struggle against the spreading wildfires, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned about the potential danger of the flames reaching deeper into the city.
- As the wildfires continue to engulf highways and surrounding areas, numerous people have been injured, with 13 hospitalized, primarily due to smoke inhalation and burns.
- The arson allegations in relation to the wildfires have led to the detainment of an East Jerusalem resident caught attempting to torch a field.
- As the fires raged near Jerusalem, general-news outlet Adom reported that entire communities, housing thousands, were evacuated, with the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway also sealed off.
