Israel is facing one of its most severe wildfire emergencies in recent history, with multiple fires erupting around the capital and other regions, leading to mass evacuations, major road closures, and a large-scale emergency response.

The Jerusalem area is among the worst affected, where fires broke out in at least 11 locations around the city. Seven nearby towns were evacuated as flames approached residential zones and threatened critical infrastructure. Over 119 firefighting teams have been deployed, supported by 10 Israeli firefighting aircraft. To reinforce the local response, eight additional firefighting planes from Cyprus and Italy are expected to arrive today.

Due to the heightened risk, Israeli authorities have prohibited public visits to national parks and forested areas, particularly around Jerusalem, during the Independence Day celebrations. Several highways were closed earlier but have since reopened in areas where the danger has subsided.

Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem, which had earlier instructed non-urgent patients to evacuate as a precaution, has now resumed full operations after the risk subsided. Meanwhile, in Bat Yam, emergency teams rescued three people from a senior care facility endangered by a separate blaze, underscoring the fire's threat to vulnerable communities.

Authorities have also begun investigating the causes of the fires. A 50-year-old resident of East Jerusalem’s Umm Tuba neighborhood has been arrested on suspicion of helping to ignite one of the fires. Officials are exploring the possibility of deliberate arson in several cases.

The crisis has had a broader social impact as well. A planned civilian flyover meant to show solidarity with hostages held in Gaza was canceled due to the ongoing wildfire threat, reflecting the wide-reaching disruptions caused by the emergency.

The Fire and Rescue Service has urged the public to follow safety directives, avoid high-risk zones, and remain updated through official channels. Emergency crews are continuing around-the-clock efforts to bring the fires under control and protect both communities and the environment from further damage.