Raging wildfires that threatened Jerusalem are finally under control, Israel’s fire and rescue service has said, following a 30-hour battle as aid arrived from Europe.
About 5,000 acres, including 3,000 acres of forest, have been scorched since the blaze started in the hills outside the city on Wednesday.
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the situation a national emergency, pleading for international aid. Firefighter planes from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia and Italy were sent to tackle the blaze, with reports saying that Ukraine, Spain, France and some other nations were also committed to sending aid.
The cause of the fires remained unclear, although Mr Netanyahu said that 18 people had been arrested on suspicion of igniting the fires.
At least a dozen people have been hospitalised and 10 have been treated in the field by medical professionals.
“This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,” Jerusalem’s district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
What caused the Israel wildfires? At least 18 suspects arrested over possible arson link
Israel wildfires mapped: Netanyahu declares national emergency as record blaze nears Jerusalem
Israel wildfires send 12 people to the hospital and close key Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway
Watch: Israeli military tackles blazing wildfires as Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway blocked
Key Points
- Wildfires near Jerusalem largely contained
- Israel declares national emergency as wildfires rage near Jerusalem
- At least 22 people treated by emergency services due to wildfires
- Israel wildfires mapped
Israel imposes nationwide fire ban until 7 May
12:30 , Stuti MishraAs wildfire containment efforts continue, authorities have imposed a nationwide ban on lighting fires in open areas, effective until May 7, to prevent further outbreaks.
Climate crisis can't be ignored, Israeli president warns
12:00 , Stuti MishraIsrael's president Isaac Herzog says that the fires outside Jerusalem are part of a larger climate issue that we must not ignore.
“This fire is part of the climate crisis, which must not be ignored,” he said during an Independence Day ceremony at his residence.
“It requires us to prepare for serious and significant challenges and to make decisions – including appropriate legislation.”
Mr Herzog thanked the firefighters who have been “risking their lives for almost a full day now to save lives and contain the great fire”.
Climate change made Israel's wildfires worse, official says
11:30 , Stuti MishraAnat Gold, the director of Israel’s central region for the Jewish National Fund, known by its Hebrew acronym KKL, said the fire was mostly contained.
But she added that workers were struggling to plow buffer zones and fire breaks as the same spots ignited repeatedly in the quickly changing winds.
Gold said the climate crisis, which has resulted in decreased rainfall in the region, contributed to the fire’s ferocity.
“Of course, when there’s a series of drought years, it’s a fertile ground for fires,” she said.
In 2010, a massive forest fire burned for four days on northern Israel’s Mount Carmel, claiming 44 lives and destroying around 12,000 acres, much of it woodland.
Evacuation order lifted on dozen towns in Jerusalem hills on Thursday
11:00 , Stuti MishraIsrael's fire and rescue authority lifted the evacuation order on approximately a dozen towns in the Jerusalem hills on Thursday.
Three Catholic religious communities who were forced to evacuate from their properties on Wednesday were also able to return on Thursday, said Farid Jubran, the spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate. He said their agricultural lands, including vineyards and olive trees, suffered heavy damage, and some of the buildings were damaged. But there were no injuries, and historic churches were not affected.
The main highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv reopened on Thursday, a day after the flames had encroached on the road, forcing drivers to abandon their cars and flee in terror.
On Thursday morning, broad swathes of burned areas were visible from the highway, while pink anti-flame retardant dusted the top of burned trees and bushes. Smoke and the smell of fire hung heavy in the air.
ICYMI: Wildfires near Jerusalem largely contained
10:30 , Stuti MishraThe major wildfires near Jerusalem have been largely contained, said the Jewish National Fund, which manages forests in the country, though firefighting efforts continue to address remaining hotspots.
Evacuation orders have been lifted, and major highways, including the main route between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have reopened.
International assistance has bolstered firefighting efforts, with countries such as Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, Ukraine, Romania, North Macedonia, and Cyprus sending firefighting aircraft.
Israel's Independence Day celebrations dampened amid wildfires
10:00 , Stuti MishraIsrael's largest wildfires severely dampened the country's 77th Independence Day celebrations, as numerous events were cancelled across the country, including the traditional torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
Other cities such as Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Beersheba also saw their planned festivities called off.
Despite the disruptions, many Israelis found alternative ways to observe the holiday. Over 100,000 people gathered in parks and open spaces, adhering to safety guidelines and fire bans, to mark the occasion in a more subdued manner.
Which countries are sending help to Israel?
09:30 , Stuti MishraItaly, Croatia, Spain, France, Ukraine, and Romania were sending planes to help battle the flames, while several other countries, including North Macedonia and Cyprus, were also sending water-dropping aircraft.
Israeli authorities said 10 firefighting planes were operating on Thursday morning, with another eight aircraft to arrive during the course of the day.
Watch: Israeli military tackles blazing wildfires
09:00 , Stuti Mishra
Israeli military tackles blazing wildfires as Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway blocked
What caused the 'largest' wildfires in Israel?
08:32 , Stuti MishraIsrael’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that 18 people had been arrested on suspicion of starting fires outside Jerusalem, with one allegedly caught in the act of arson, as the country battled possibly its worst ever wildfires.
“This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,” Jerusalem’s district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
While the exact cause of the fires near Latrun was still unclear, Mr Netanyahu said the blaze was “not a simple thing”.
Read more:
What caused the Israel wildfires? At least 18 suspects as arson link probed
Israel wildfires mapped
07:15 , Tara CobhamIsrael is grappling with one of its largest wildfires ever, prompting a national emergency to be declared as the uncontrolled blaze draws close to Jerusalem.
The blaze erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday, starting in the Eshtaol Forest near Mesilat Zion and rapidly spreading due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
“This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,” Jerusalem’s district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
My colleague Stuti Mishra maps the wildfires here:
Israel wildfires mapped: Emergency declared as blaze nears Jerusalem
In pictures: Destruction wreaked by wildfires in Jerusalem
07:00 , Tara Cobham
Climate change made Israel's wildfires worse, official says
06:40 , Stuti MishraAnat Gold, the director of Israel’s central region for the Jewish National Fund, known by its Hebrew acronym KKL, which manages forests, plants trees, and promotes settlement in the Holy Land, said the fire was mostly contained.
But she added that workers were struggling to plow buffer zones and fire breaks as the same spots ignited repeatedly in the quickly changing winds.
Gold said the climate crisis, which has resulted in decreased rainfall in the region, contributed to the fire’s ferocity.
“Of course when there’s a series of drought years, it’s a fertile ground for fires,” she said.
In 2010, a massive forest fire burned for four days on northern Israel’s Mount Carmel, claiming 44 lives and destroying around 12,000 acres, much of it woodland.
Catholic communities return after fire risk reduces
05:45Three Catholic religious communities who were forced to evacuate from their properties on Wednesday were also able to return on Thursday, said Farid Jubran, the spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate.
He said their agricultural lands, including vineyards and olive trees, suffered heavy damage, and some of the buildings were damaged. But there were no injuries, and historic churches were not affected.
Wildfires near Jerusalem largely contained
04:58 , Stuti MishraThe major wildfires near Jerusalem have been largely contained, said the Jewish National Fund, which manages forests in the country, though firefighting efforts continue to address remaining hotspots.
Evacuation orders have been lifted, and major highways, including the main route between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have reopened.
International assistance has bolstered firefighting efforts, with countries such as Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, Ukraine, Romania, North Macedonia, and Cyprus sending firefighting aircraft.
Evacuation order lifted on dozen towns in Jerusalem hills on Thursday
04:30 , Tara CobhamIsrael's fire and rescue authority lifted the evacuation order on approximately a dozen towns in the Jerusalem hills on Thursday.
Three Catholic religious communities who were forced to evacuate from their properties on Wednesday were also able to return on Thursday, said Farid Jubran, the spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate. He said their agricultural lands, including vineyards and olive trees, suffered heavy damage, and some of the buildings were damaged. But there were no injuries, and historic churches were not affected.
The main highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv reopened on Thursday, a day after the flames had encroached on the road, forcing drivers to abandon their cars and flee in terror. On Thursday morning, broad swathes of burned areas were visible from the highway, while pink anti-flame retardant dusted the top of burned trees and bushes. Smoke and the smell of fire hung heavy in the air.
Watch: Israel wildfires close key Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway as flames turn sky grey
04:00 , Tara CobhamWhat caused the Israel wildfires? At least 18 suspects arrested over possible arson link
03:00 , Tara CobhamIsrael’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that 18 people had been arrested on suspicion of starting fires outside Jerusalem, with one allegedly caught in the act of arson, as the country battled possibly its worst ever wildfires.
“This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,” Jerusalem’s district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
While the exact cause of the fires near Latrun was still unclear, Mr Netanyahu said the blaze was “not a simple thing”.
My colleague Maroosha Muzaffar reports:
What caused the Israel wildfires? At least 18 suspects as arson link probed
Fires come after massive forest fire claimed 44 lives in Israel in 2010
02:00 , Tara CobhamThe fires comes after a massive forest fire claimed 44 lives when it burned for four days on northern Israel's Mount Carmel in 2010.
That blaze also destroyed around 12,000 acres, much of it woodland.
Watch: IDF combats Israeli wildfire as Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway blocked
01:00 , Tara CobhamClimate change contributed to fire's ferocity, says organisation managing Israel's forests
Friday 2 May 2025 00:00 , Tara CobhamClimate change, which has resulted in decreased rainfall in the region, contributed to the fire's ferocity, according to one of the organisations that manages Israel's forests.
Anat Gold, the director of Israel's central region for the Jewish National Fund, known by its Hebrew acronym KKL, which manages forests, plants trees, and promotes settlement in the Holy Land, said: “Of course when there's a series of drought years, it's a fertile ground for fires.”
Such strong fires this early in year are unusual for Israel
Thursday 1 May 2025 23:00 , Tara CobhamIsrael often sees fires in the summertime, but such strong fires this early in the year are unusual. Many of Israel's forests are planted rather than natural.
One of the organisations that manages Israel's forests said that the fires had perfect conditions to spread: a winter with little rain, hot and dry weather, and exceptionally strong winds that are shifting direction constantly.
Pictured: Firefighting aircrafts carry water to defeat the blaze
Thursday 1 May 2025 22:00 , Bryony Gooch
Jerusalem wildfire in numbers
Thursday 1 May 2025 21:00 , Bryony Gooch5,000 acres of land destroyed by the wildfires.
At least 15 countries offering to send aid to Israel to quash the flames.
At least 23 people treated by the Magen David Adom for smoke inhalation and burns as of Thursday morning.
21 firefighters slightly injured from fighting the blaze.
Benjamin Netanyahu said 18 people were arrested on suspicion of igniting the blaze, while police have said they only arrested three people on suspicion of arson.
What is Israeli Independence Day?
Thursday 1 May 2025 20:00 , Bryony GoochIsraeli Independence Day is a national celebration, also known as Yom Ha'atzmaut, in which the country commemorates the Declaration of Independence which took place on 14 May 1948.
In order to avoid conflicts with the Jewish Sabbath, the day is rarely celebrated on the fifth of Iyar - the second month in the Jewish calendar - itself, instead falling a couple of days before or after.
This year the celebration began on the evening of 30 April, extending into 1 May.
It is typically celebrated with large family cookouts in parks and forests.
The countries that are reportedly sending aid to help Israel with the Jerusalem wildfires
Thursday 1 May 2025 19:00 , Bryony GoochHere are all the countries that have reportedly spoken about sending aid over to Israel amid the Jerusalem wildfires
- Cyprus
- North Macedonia
- Greece
- Croatia
- Azerbaijan
- Ukraine
- Argentina
- France
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Sweden
- Romania
What we don’t know about the Jerusalem wildfires:
Thursday 1 May 2025 18:00 , Bryony Gooch- Fire and Rescue services have said the exact cause of these wildfires remains unknown to them.
- We don’t know the exact number of people who have been arrested. While prime minister Netanyahu suggested 18 people were arrested on suspicion of arson, police reportedly have only arrested three.
- It’s yet to be determined how many people have been affected by the wildfires, or the total number of people injured.
In pictures: Latrun area decimated by flames
Thursday 1 May 2025 17:00 , Bryony Gooch
Jerusalem municipality: Independence Day celebrations will continue - reports
Thursday 1 May 2025 16:30 , Bryony GoochJerusalem Municipality will reportedly continue their Independence Day events tonight as scheduled after they were initially cancelled.
Stages will operate from 9pm and the light rail will operate until 2am, according to N12 news channel.
What we know about the Jerusalem wildfires
Thursday 1 May 2025 16:00 , Bryony Gooch- Wildfires sparked in the outskirts of Jerusalem around midday on Wednesday and have gradually spread across the hills.
- It was fuelled by hot, dry conditions and fanned by strong winds that quickly whipped up the flames burning through pine forests.
- Several communities were evacuated as a precaution as the smoke turned the skies over Jerusalem grey. They were allowed to return following assessments by local authorities on Thursday.
- The fire took place over the country’s Independence Day, cancelling many celebrations as security forces were diverted towards the fire.
- The Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem highway had to be temporarily closed as smoke billowed over the hills, causing people to get out of their cars and run away.
- 23 people, including children, have been treated for smoke inhalation and burns as the wildfire continues.
- Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency and called on international support for foreign aid.
- The lines of Cyprus, North Macedonia, Greece, Croatia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Ukraine and France all offered foreign aid with many sending over firefighting aircrafts.
Jewish National Fund director says fire is mostly contained
Thursday 1 May 2025 15:45 , Bryony GoochAnat Gold, the director of Israel's central region for the Jewish National Fund, known by its Hebrew acronym KKL, which manages forests, plants trees, and promotes settlement in the Holy Land, has said the fire is mostly contained.
But she added that workers were struggling to plow buffer zones and fire breaks as the same spots ignited repeatedly in the quickly changing winds.
Gold said climate change, which has resulted in decreased rainfall in the region, contributed to the fire's ferocity. "Of course when there's a series of drought years, it's a fertile ground for fires," she said.
In pictures: Pink flame retardant falls from the sky over the burning Jerusalem hills
Thursday 1 May 2025 15:31 , Bryony Gooch
Israel’s Magen David Adom deploys teams to provide medical support to people injured in wildfires
Thursday 1 May 2025 15:15 , Bryony GoochAs of Thursday morning, Israel’s emergency medical service Magen David Adom (MDA) provided treatment to 23 people suffering from smoke inhalation and burns, including two pregnant women and two infants less than a year old. 13 of the patients had to be taken to hospital, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
'Significant effort' from IDF and Interior Command to protect settlements from wildfire
Thursday 1 May 2025 15:01 , Bryony GoochFire and Rescue Services said there was a “significant effort” being made by the IDF and the Interior Command to create hot lines using heavy TSA tools in order to help protect the settlements from the spread of fire.
In pictures: Garden centre burned down in wildfire chaos
Thursday 1 May 2025 14:47 , Bryony Gooch
WATCH: Israel wildfires close key Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway as flames turn sky grey
Thursday 1 May 2025 14:31 , Bryony GoochWhat is Israeli Independence Day?
Thursday 1 May 2025 14:15 , Bryony GoochIsraeli Independence Day is a national celebration, also known as Yom Ha'atzmaut, in which the country commemorates the Declaration of Independence which took place on 14 May 1948.
In order to avoid conflicts with the Jewish Sabbath, the day is rarely celebrated on the fifth of Iyar - the second month in the Jewish calendar - itself, instead falling a couple of days before or after.
This year the celebration began on the evening of 30 April, extending into 1 May.
It is typically celebrated with large family cookouts in parks and forests.
The countries that are reportedly sending aid to help Israel with the Jerusalem wildfires
Thursday 1 May 2025 14:02 , Bryony GoochHere are all the countries that have reportedly spoken about sending aid over to Israel amid the Jerusalem wildfires
- Cyprus
- North Macedonia
- Greece
- Croatia
- Azerbaijan
- Ukraine
- Argentina
- France
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Sweden
- Romania
In pictures: Drone shots of the Jerusalem wildfires
Thursday 1 May 2025 13:44 , Bryony Gooch
Foreign minister confirms more foreign aid coming through to support end to wildfires
Thursday 1 May 2025 13:33 , Bryony GoochForeign minister Gideon Sa’ar said he had called his counterparts among a number of global allies to confirm aerial assistance in tackling the wildfires near Jerusalem.
He said: “Over the past few hours, I held a series of phone calls with my counterparts from Argentina, France, Italy, the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Azerbaijan and North Macedonia, to request aerial assistance in dealing with the wildfires near Jerusalem.
“I thank all those countries that already promised assistance to fight the blaze and to those currently looking into our requests with great will to help.
“Israel is fortunate to have true friends who stand by her in times of need. We also thank all those who are offering help.”
Over the past few hours, I held a series of phone calls with my counterparts from Argentina, France, Italy, the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Azerbaijan and North Macedonia, to request aerial assistance in dealing with the wildfires…
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) April 30, 2025
98 fire crews 'working intensively' as 21 firefighters injured in blaze
Thursday 1 May 2025 13:17 , Bryony GoochThe Fire and Rescue Service has said 98 fire crews are ‘working intensely’ to contain the wildfire before winds pick up in the Jerusalem Hills area in the late afternoon.
They said 21 firefighters were ‘slightly injured’ but there had been no damage to property or life, except for a fire truck.
In pictures: Monks watch as firefighters tackle blaze
Thursday 1 May 2025 13:02 , Bryony Gooch
18 arrested on suspicion of igniting blaze
Thursday 1 May 2025 12:45 , Bryony GoochPrime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said 18 people have been arrested on suspicion of helping to ignite wildfires outside Jerusalem as the wildfire continues.
Netanyahu said that one of the suspects was caught in the act of arson, according to the Times of Israel.
The Fire and Rescue Services have yet to confirm the cause of the flames.
Netanyahu said the fire “is not a simple thing, there is harm to nature and also harm to people, and we’re holding 18 people at the moment who are suspected of arson, one of whom was caught in the act.”
He added he was “sure that we will succeeded in dealing with this challenge as well. We’re doing everything we can to thwart the fire and rehabilitate what was destroyed.”
Fire and Rescue commissioner said they are preparing for international firefighting assistance in 'next hour
Thursday 1 May 2025 12:30 , Bryony GoochIsrael Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Lieutenant Colonel Eyal Caspi has said the service is preparing to integrate aerial firefighting assistance from international aid in the next hour.
He said: "Preparations must be made now for the integration of international aerial firefighting assistance with its arrival in Israel in the next hour.
In cooperation with all parties, we are in massive operation to stop the fire before noon. We are strong."
