Massive wildfire engulfs Jerusalem Hills, Israel declares maximum alert VIDEO

A fast-spreading wildfire broke out Wednesday morning, April 30, in the Eshtaol Forest between Mesilat Zion and Neve Shalom in the Jerusalem Hills, prompting Israel to declare the highest level of emergency response.

The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority mobilised a major response, deploying around 50 firefighting units, 10 aircraft, and a helicopter to contain the blaze, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

A command centre has been established in the Latrun area to coordinate complex firefighting operations in the hilly terrain.

The authorities activated the “Red Torch” emergency protocol — a nationwide alert that enables full-scale mobilization of aerial units, support brigades from other regions, and logistics forces.

Officials warned that strong winds in the area are accelerating the spread of the fire, posing a serious threat to nearby communities. As a precaution, police forces from the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council began evacuating residents from the village of Neve Shalom.

Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency services director-general Eli Bin reported that 12 people had been treated for mild carbon monoxide poisoning caused by smoke inhalation. No serious injuries have been reported so far.

Firefighting crews from Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) are also on the scene, working to prevent the fire from reaching populated areas. Residents have been urged to stay away from the affected zone for their safety.

In light of the escalating danger, Israel has reached out to several European countries for emergency assistance. Requests have been sent to Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Italy for aerial firefighting support to help extinguish the blaze in the Jerusalem Hills.

Горят иерусалимские горы, Израиль не справляется, попросили у Европы помощи, вроде несколько стран откликнулись pic.twitter.com/Io6q7Z7nV1

— kamenskiy evgeny (@odikov) April 30, 2025

By Tamilla Hasanova