^{Firefighters try to extinguish a fire which broke out near Moshav Mesilat Zion, April 30, 2025. Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90.}

By Joshua Marks

Multiple wildfires broke out on Wednesday across Israel amid soaring temperatures and fierce winds, forcing evacuations, road closures and the cancellation of the Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony.

The most severe blaze ignited in the Eshtaol Forest near Mesilat Zion and Neve Shalom, prompting immediate evacuations. Flames spread rapidly through the parched terrain, intensified by dry weather and gusty conditions.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, firefighters were battling five main blazes in Neve Shalom, the Latrun Interchange, the Latrun hilltop, Moshav Mesilat Zion near Beit Shemesh, as well as Canada Park.

Police reportedly arrested or detained three suspects in connection with the fires. The suspects, who were not identified or described in initial media reports, were arrested within several hours of the fires.

According to widespread Hebrew news reports, the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) joined in the investigation into the fires, suggesting authorities believe the fires were the result of terrorist arson attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the premier was “continuing to hold updates and assessments” on Wednesday afternoon with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the Israel Fire and Rescue Services, and security services.

Chief Fire Officer Eyal Caspi, commissioner of the Israel Fire and Rescue Services, told local media on Wednesday afternoon that his organization was still expecting the weather conditions to worsen.

“Anyone who has no reason to be in the Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem areas: do not interfere with the firefighters,” the fire chief emphasized.

Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced the cancellation of the annual torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, citing public safety concerns. “I’ve just concluded a situational assessment with emergency officials,” said Regev. “There is a real danger to human life. I will not take any risks.”

Other major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, also announced the cancellation of celebrations requiring the presence of firefighters.

Authorities declared a “Red Torch” emergency level, the highest fire-alert classification, activating national firefighting reserves, aerial reinforcements and logistical support.

Major highways, including sections of Route 1 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, were shut down as flames advanced toward the road. Videos posted online showed drivers abandoning their vehicles and fleeing on foot, with fire on both sides of the highway.

Meanwhile, a new fire erupted near Ramat Beit Shemesh Bet, threatening residential areas as responders raced to contain additional hotspots across the Jerusalem hills.

Authorities also ordered the evacuation of the Samaria community of Mevo Horon, near Latrun and the city of Modi’in, as the fires spread.

According to Magen David Adom, 23 people had been treated for smoke-related injuries, including 13 who required hospitalization. No fatalities were reported as of Wednesday afternoon, but emergency officials remained on high alert.

“Magen David Adom is deployed in large numbers at sites near communities close to the fire with ambulances, intensive care units, the motorcycle unit, buses capable of evacuating many casualties and additional specialized vehicles,” the statement added.

In a significant development, the Israel Defense Forces received a directive to assist in efforts to extinguish the fires, with military personnel and resources deployed to support civilian firefighting crews on the ground.

Ben-Gvir also requested that military helicopters support the evacuation of civilians trapped in threatened areas.

The Fire and Rescue Authority confirmed that preparations were underway to receive international firefighting assistance.

Greece and Cyprus have committed to sending aircraft to support Israel’s efforts, with Italy, Croatia, Macedonia and Bulgaria also expected to contribute in response to Israel’s formal request for help.

The first planes are reportedly set to arrive late on Wednesday night or on Thursday.

“All relevant agencies are working to bring about the arrival of the international assistance as soon as possible,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a joint statement with the National Security Ministry.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog in a statement expressed his “full support for the firefighters and rescue teams standing guard over our country and working alongside the IDF, local authorities, and all relevant agencies in a broad effort to contain the severe and devastating fires.

“I thank the countries stepping up to assist Israel at this critical time and send strength to those evacuated from their homes,” said the head of state.

The latest fires come on the heels of two recent incidents: a blaze in the Ein Prat Nature Reserve earlier this week, which required a complex air evacuation of some 100 Orthodox teenagers on a school trip, and a fire near Moshav Ta’oz last week, which consumed nearly 2,500 acres before being brought under control after a 20-hour battle.

Officials are urging the public to avoid forested areas and to follow safety instructions as the spring heatwave persists.

Source: JNS