Wildfires swept through the outskirts of Jerusalem on Wednesday, April 30, forcing the evacuation of three communities, injuring at least 13 people, and prompting Israel to appeal for international assistance — including from Greece — as flames spread rapidly due to strong winds.
Fires ignited near the Eshtaol Forest and along the main Route 1 highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where people were seen abandoning vehicles as thick smoke engulfed the area. Authorities closed the highway and urged the public to avoid the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that firefighting aircraft from Italy and Croatia are expected to assist, while Israel has formally requested aid from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. International assistance is not expected to arrive until Thursday morning.
“By order of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, a Canadair CL-415 aircraft from the Croatian Air Force with two crews, a total of 11 members of the Croatian Armed Forces, will be sent to the State of Israel to assist in extinguishing the fire,” Croatia’s Defence Ministry stated.
Cyprus is expected to send aid first, with Spain and France also pledging aircraft to support efforts. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has contacted several European and global counterparts — including officials from the UK, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Spain, and Argentina — to seek further assistance.
Israel deployed 119 fire crews, 10 aircraft, and one helicopter to fight the blaze. Military search and rescue units, including the Israel Air Force and Unit 669, are on standby. Rescue teams pulled nine people from smoke-filled vehicles; three cars were reported burning with no one trapped inside.
The wildfire broke out on Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, prompting the cancellation of numerous ceremonies, including the main Independence Day event in Jerusalem. A Remembrance Day ceremony at the Latrun memorial site was also stopped as police cleared the area.
The blaze comes one week after another wildfire scorched approximately 10,000 dunams (2,470 acres) of nearby forest. Firefighting teams from the KKL-JNF are working to prevent the current fire from reaching local settlements.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly en route to assess the situation as emergency operations continue.
