Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a “national emergency” as troops were deployed to assist firefighters combating severe wildfires near Jerusalem, with the Magen David Adom agency reporting hundreds of civilians in danger. The fires, exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds, have prompted evacuations from five communities and the closure of the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, while emergency services are on alert for medical assistance. Israel has sought international help from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy, leading to the cancellation of the planned Independence Day event in Jerusalem.