ISRAEL HAYOM (by agreement with JNS)
Massive wildfires rage across Jerusalem hills; Israel requests international aid
April 30, 2025

A fire broke out Wednesday morning, on Israel’s Memorial Day, in a forest near Beit Shemesh. Firefighting teams are working at the scene after authorities declared an emergency, triggering nationwide assistance mobilization, including aircraft, reinforcement teams from additional districts, and logistical support. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services announced that all Independence Day events requiring firefighter security will not be able to receive protection, therefore, Independence Day events cannot be held…Numerous firefighting teams from the Beit Shemesh area are currently battling a developing forest fire in Eshta’ol Forest. Strong winds in the area are contributing to the rapid spread of the flames. READ MORE

JPOST Israel ablaze in national emergency believed to be terrorist act “It’s a terror attack on Israel,” Eli Beer, president of the United Hatzalah emergency response organization, told The Media Line. He noted that fires were started in 20 separate locations. A security source also confirmed to The Media Line that a terrorist act was likely behind the fires, adding that several people had been arrested.

TIMES OF ISRAEL 163 crews battle Jerusalem-area fire which official says may be Israel’s largest ever IDF helps fire service, police fight wildfires in Jerusalem hills as towns evacuated, Jerusalem-Tel Aviv road closed; dozens suffer smoke inhalation, burns, but nobody seriously hurt