In brief
Fires ignited in the Latrun area have burned 20 sq km, prompting a national emergency and international aid.
Fires that have devastated expansive areas of central Israel since Wednesday are now largely under control, according to the country's Fire and Rescue Authority. Over 150 fire teams worked tirelessly to combat the blazes that have scorched approximately 20 square kilometers (7.7 square miles) of land in Latrun, located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. While at least 12 individuals were treated for smoke inhalation, authorities report no fatalities, though 17 firefighters sustained injuries during the effort. Hot, dry weather combined with gusty winds made firefighting efforts significantly more difficult, leading one senior official to note that this particular fire season has been among the most challenging he has seen in his two decades of service. In response to the fires, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents from their homes. Fortunately, the evacuation order for 12 towns near Jerusalem has since been lifted as conditions improved. The international response included assistance from multiple countries, including the deployment of aircraft from France, Italy, and Spain to aid in firefighting efforts. Due to the wildfires, many scheduled events for Israel's Independence Day celebrations were canceled, and a nation-wide ban on lighting fires for traditional barbecues was enforced. Major transportation routes, including a key highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, have since reopened, although footage circulating on social media depicted the harrowing moments when residents had to abandon their vehicles while fleeing the approaching flames. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the fires' causation; Israeli President Isaac Herzog attributed the blazes to the ongoing climate crisis, while Prime Minister Netanyahu initially suggested arson was to blame, resulting in 18 arrests. However, police later clarified that only three individuals are detained for suspected involvement, with no direct connection to the wildfires established at this time.
