On Wednesday, thick smoke engulfed highways near Jerusalem as wildfires erupted, prompting Defence Minister Israel Katz to declare a “national emergency.” The fires, described as the worst in years, have injured several individuals, with 23 treated by Magen David Adom, including pregnant women and infants, while communities were evacuated amidst worsening weather conditions. As firefighters struggled against the flames, authorities raised the alert level and coordinated with neighboring countries for assistance, while investigations into possible arson were initiated.