The blaze, which erupted west of Jerusalem on Wednesday, has forced the closure of Route 1, the main highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and led to the evacuation of multiple communities.
Thick smoke blanketed the skies over Jerusalem, with strong winds and hot, dry weather fuelling the flames through the Eshtaol forest.
At least 12 civilians and 17 firefighters, including two pregnant women, have been hospitalised due to smoke inhalation, according to local reports.
