SRINAGAR: Israeli authorities confirmed that the massive bushfire that erupted near Jerusalem had been largely brought under control, with all major roads—including the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv corridor—reopened to traffic, Live Mint reported.
Firefighting teams, however, remained deployed across affected areas to tackle lingering hotspots, with officials warning that strong winds could potentially reignite the flames. “The fire is under control,” said Shlomi Harush, a senior firefighting official, to AFP. “There are only hotspots left… all teams remain deployed.”
The blaze, which broke out on Wednesday along the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, prompted large-scale evacuations and extensive road closures. Authorities mobilised 163 ground personnel and 12 aircraft to fight the fire, which scorched an estimated 13,000 hectares of forest.
According to Live Mint, in Latrun—approximately 25 kilometres from Jerusalem—smoke was still visible near a monastery as firefighters sprayed water over smouldering embers. The Israeli military said it deployed engineering vehicles to create containment lines and prevent further spread, while the air force and 50 firetrucks also participated in the operation.
Police confirmed that residents of the evacuated Mavo Horon settlement were allowed to return home. Meanwhile, emergency services treated 23 individuals for injuries, mostly due to smoke inhalation and burns, according to rescue agency Magen David Adom. Public broadcaster Kan reported that 17 firefighters were injured during the response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier declared the situation a “national emergency,” warning that the flames could potentially reach Jerusalem. On Thursday, he said at a public function that authorities were “holding 18 people at the moment who are suspected of arson, one of whom was caught in the act,” as reported by The Times of Israel.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also stated that arson may have been the cause of the fires.
