France is sending a firefighting plane to help Israel control wildfires burning west of Jerusalem. The fires have spread quickly due to strong winds and extreme heat, forcing evacuations and putting emergency services on high alert.
Israeli officials said the fires have led residents of at least five towns to leave their homes. The country’s prime minister warned that flames were moving dangerously close to the capital.
“Right now, the priority is to defend Jerusalem,” Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video shared by his office on Wednesday.
President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that France “is ready to provide material support in the next few hours” and expressed “solidarity” with Israel.
After reaching out to several countries in a diplomatic effort to recruit help, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar’s office said that France – which has helped other countries in the past battle wildfires – would be sending a firefighting aircraft.
Spain is sending two planes, while Italy, Croatia and Romania have also agreed to send material support.
(with AFP)
