Overview

• Massive wildfires continue to burn around Jerusalem, forcing evacuations of multiple communities and injuring at least 13 people, including two infants.
• The Tel Aviv–Jerusalem highway remains closed due to heavy smoke and advancing flames, with stranded vehicles abandoned by fleeing drivers.
• Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared the situation a national emergency, deploying military forces to support firefighting efforts and evacuations.
• Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, and Italy are sending firefighting aircraft, while additional international support is being coordinated.
• Authorities are investigating arson as a potential cause, with one East Jerusalem resident arrested on suspicion of starting the fires.