Wildfires force evacuations near Jerusalem, Israel receives global firefighting support

Israel declared a national emergency as massive wildfires swept through forested areas near Jerusalem on Thursday, prompting evacuations, road closures, and an international firefighting response. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that strong western winds could push the fires into the capital itself, raising alarm across the nation. “We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one,” Netanyahu said in a video message. “The priority right now is defending Jerusalem.” He called for urgent deployment of more fire engines and the creation of firebreaks to prevent the flames from reaching populated zones.

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