A large wildfire broke out west of Jerusalem on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of several communities, closure of highways and suspension of train services. The Israeli army has been ordered to assist firefighting efforts near Jerusalem where the blaze is spreading rapidly.
Videos circulating on social media showed drivers abandoning their vehicles on Route 1 connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
At least 13 people have been hospitalised due to the fire in the Eshtaol forest — most of them for smoke inhalation. Among them were two pregnant women, according to ambulance service Magen David Adom.
Many municipalities have cancelled Independence Day events as wildfires also rage in other parts of the country and amid severe weather forecasts.
