Witnesses recount the terrifying sight of 'walls of flame' spreading through woodlands, as strong winds impact Independence Day festivities
Wildfires in Israel continue to pose a threat to forests and fields, with firefighters managing to reopen the main road connecting the country's major cities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency following the outbreak of fires along the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway on Wednesday, leading to the closure of the route and evacuation of thousands from nearby areas.
Residents were forced to leave their homes approximately 19 miles west of Jerusalem, with Israel's Channel 12 having to interrupt its broadcast from a studio about 10 miles from the city during a news bulletin.
High winds that exacerbated the fires led to the cancellation of numerous events commemorating Israel's establishment in 1948. A prerecorded rehearsal replaced the planned torch-lighting ceremony.
The Times of Israel described the situation as "a surreal, tense evening as Israel marks its 77th Independence Day amidst severe wildfires".
President Isaac Herzog, addressing one event, highlighted the wildfires as a manifestation of the climate crisis that cannot be overlooked.
Celebrations for the anniversary were already contentious, with government officials facing criticism at some events for failing to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Additionally, right-wing activists attacked a synagogue screening a joint Arab-Israeli memorial event.
Political tensions are high following a period of unrest, including protests and a public dispute between Netanyahu and the head of the Shin Bet internal security service. Herzog called for unity in Israel.
Israel's military mobilized troops to assist in Jerusalem and other central districts, with engineering vehicles deployed to create firebreaks to prevent the spread of the fires. The air force continues to support firefighting efforts.
163 ground crews and 12 aircraft from Israel's firefighting service are actively working to contain the flames, with military planes dropping fire retardant to curb the fire's progression.
Medical rescue service Magen David Adom reported treating 23 individuals on Wednesday, primarily for smoke inhalation and burns. Seventeen firefighters sustained injuries, according to public broadcaster Kan.
Witnesses described the harrowing sight of 'walls of flame' advancing through woodlands near Jerusalem, though conditions improved on Thursday with reduced winds and light rainfall.
There has been criticism of the emergency response, with some residents questioning the readiness of authorities to handle the situation effectively.
Foreign assistance is expected, with firefighting aircraft from Croatia, France, Italy, Romania, and Spain set to join the firefighting operation.
Shmulik Friedman, the fire and rescue service's Jerusalem district commander, characterized the wildfire as one of the largest in the country's history, emphasizing the prolonged effort required to contain it.
National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir suggested the fires may have been intentionally set, though no evidence has been presented to support this claim.