Israeli PM Netanyahu declares 'national emergency' amid decade's most devastating wildfires

A "national emergency" has been declared by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as wildfires rapidly spread near Jerusalem, threatening to engulf the city. The blazes have already injured dozens, prompted military deployment, and forced evacuations.

According to Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency, hundreds of settlers are at risk as the fires rage on. 

Netanyahu warned that “the western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of [Jerusalem] and even into the city itself.

“We need to bring as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines ... We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one,” he said in a video statement on Wednesday. “The priority right now is defending Jerusalem,” he added.

MDA reported treating around 23 people, with 13 hospitalised due to smoke inhalation and burns. Vulnerable patients included two pregnant women and two infants under one year old.

Read: Wildfires reach Israeli army bases, settlers flee their homes

As thick smoke billows over occupied Jerusalem's highways, firefighters are working to contain the inferno, with military troops deployed to assist in the efforts.

A wildfire erupted near occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday, forcing Israeli settlers to evacuate several areas and leading to road closures, as flames have remained out of control due to the dry conditions and high winds.

The unmanageable blazes prompted Israel to seek international assistance, as the country’s defence minister declared the situation a “national emergency”.

“This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,” CNN quoted Jerusalem District Fire Department Commander Shmulik Friedman as telling reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

He added that winds were anticipated to exceed 60 miles in the future, which would dramatically increase the risk of fire escalation.

Following the wildfire, the authorities closed Route 1, a major thoroughfare, which connects Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 

According to Friedman, the cause of the fire has not been recognised so far, and “we don’t have even a bit of a clue, and we are far from control.” 

Read: “Demonic behaviour:” Picture of Israeli mob attacking Palestinian journalist in Jerusalem sparks anger

However, Israeli police apprehended a suspect, allegedly involved in igniting a fire in an open field, and the police recovered “a lighter, cotton wool, and additional flammable material” from the suspect.

The suspect, identified as Umm Tuba, was a resident of a Palestinian Arab neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. 

Moreover, to control the wildfire, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reached out to the international community, especially European countries, to assist them with firefighting aircrafts, of which three aircraft are set to arrive soon from Italy and Macedonia.

Defence Minister Israel Katz stated, “All available forces must be mobilised to save lives and bring the fire under control. We are in a time of national emergency.” 

As massive fire rages,  120 teams and 12 aircraft from Israel's Fire and Rescue Services are making efforts to contain the blaze. 

Rescue officials said over a dozen people were hospitalised due to the fire. Hadassah Medical Centre evacuates non-critical patients while preparing for potential new admissions. 

The fire's location is near the site of a similar blaze last week.