A series of large-scale forest fires devastated the Eshtaol forest area on the outskirts of Jerusalem this Wednesday, forcing entire communities to evacuate, closing major roads, and suspending rail traffic between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
These fires mark the second time in a week that flames have threatened populations in the west of the Israeli capital.
According to the Fire and Rescue Service, the fires were spreading in at least five different points in the Jerusalem hills. Extreme weather conditions, with a heatwave and strong winds, made containment efforts difficult.
A total of 63 firefighting teams and 11 tanker planes were deployed in the area, and a general call was issued to all firefighters in the Jerusalem area, later extended to units across the country.
The communities of Neve Shalom, Beko’a, Ta’oz, and Nachshon were evacuated, as well as the Latrun military monument, interrupting an ongoing commemorative ceremony.
A nearby monastery was also evacuated, and authorities warned about the possible evacuation of Mesilat Zion. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority evacuated hikers from several nature reserves in the region.
The country's main highway, Route 1 connecting Jerusalem with Tel Aviv, was closed to traffic, as well as other major routes like Route 3, 65, 70, and 85.
This caused significant traffic congestion, and in some cases, drivers abandoned their vehicles in the middle of the road due to thick smoke. Rail traffic between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv was also suspended.
The Ministry of National Security set up a command center at an IKEA branch in Eshtaol. Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman moved to the area to coordinate emergency operations.
