Jerusalem, May 1 – Wildfires that raged through areas near Jerusalem have been largely brought under control, though authorities remain on high alert due to lingering hotspots and the risk of flare-ups caused by strong winds.
According to Shlomi Harush, a senior official in Israel’s firefighting service, the fires — which led to the closure of major routes including parts of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway — have now been subdued, allowing traffic to resume.
“The fire is under control,” Harush confirmed, while cautioning that firefighting crews are continuing operations at several critical zones. “The winds are still strong, and that means there’s always a danger the fire could reignite.”
The blaze prompted evacuations in some areas and widespread concern as smoke spread across neighborhoods. Although wildfires are not uncommon in Israel during the warmer months, such widespread blazes are relatively infrequent and raise growing concerns about environmental vulnerability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told local media that 18 people have been arrested on suspicion of starting the fires, though details about the circumstances or motives have yet to be disclosed.
Emergency services remain on standby, with aerial and ground crews prepared to respond swiftly should conditions worsen. Meanwhile, the public has been urged to avoid lighting open fires and to report any signs of smoke or flames.