Overview

• Wildfires erupted west of Jerusalem on April 30, prompting mass evacuations, highway closures, and the declaration of a national emergency by Defense Minister Israel Katz.
• Authorities report the fires are now largely under control, with key highways, including the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv route, reopened and most residents allowed to return home.
• The blazes, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds, scorched thousands of acres, making it one of Israel's most severe wildfires in years.
• Police are investigating suspected arson, with at least 18 individuals detained, including one caught allegedly attempting to start a fire near Jerusalem.
• International assistance was requested and firefighting aircraft from countries including Italy, Croatia, and Cyprus have joined efforts to extinguish residual hotspots.