Israel urges global help as 'worst wildfires in decade' threaten to reach Jerusalem

CAIRO – 1 May 2025: Israel has reached out to several neighboring countries for assistance as devastating wildfires near Jerusalem continue to spread for the second day, injuring many and rendering fire control efforts largely ineffective.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of "national emergency," as the country faces its worst wildfires in over a decade. This crisis drew comparisons to the ravaging fire in northern Israel’s Mount Carmel in 2010, which killed over 40 people.

In video remarks on Wednesday, Netanyahu warned that the rapidly spreading wildfires, which ignited earlier that day, could reach Jerusalem.

He noted that the western winds could easily push the fire toward the outskirts and even into the city itself.

“We need to bring in as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines,” he emphasized. “The priority right now is defending Jerusalem.”

In Israel 🇮🇱 , a major highway shut down as wildfires' flames & smoke overtook it, forcing drivers & passengers to flee their vehicles. pic.twitter.com/s3z0hDdIji

— BreakinNewz (@BreakinNewz01) May 1, 2025

During a televised press conference, Fire Chief Eyal Caspi stated that their “aircraft can’t do anything right now due to the weather conditions... Our goal is to save lives.”

Israel has contacted countries including Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Croatia, and Bulgaria for assistance.

Speaking to AFP while near the fire, student Yosef Aaron described the scene: “A lot of police and firefighters arrived, but it didn’t really help. The fire had already completely taken over the whole area.”

The fires are raging along the main Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway, causing significant road closures and the evacuation of thousands of residents from nearby areas.

Reports indicate that rescue teams treated 23 people on Wednesday, primarily for smoke inhalation and burns, while 17 firefighters also sustained injuries.