After one of Israel’s most dramatic wildfire events in recent years, Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Kaspi announced Thursday that the large blaze that swept through the Jerusalem hills is officially under control. “Our deepest gratitude goes to the firefighters, support teams, emergency personnel, and military units who worked around the clock to stop the spread and save lives,” Kaspi said. “We wish the entire nation a safe and joyful Independence Day.”
Residents Return Home, Rail Service Resumes
Following situation assessments, residents from evacuated towns including Mesilat Zion, Nataf, Neve Shalom, and others have been cleared to return.
Israel Railways also resumed full operations between Jerusalem (Yitzhak Navon) and Modi’in Central, after the tracks were shut down for safety.
Firefighting Aircraft Join from Abroad
Aircraft from Cyprus and other partner countries began arriving to reinforce Israel’s aerial effort. Over the past day, dozens of Israeli Air Force planes and converted “Samson” C-130 Hercules aircraft have dropped over 95 payloads of fire retardant.
Courtesy of the Israel Police Spokesperson’s Unit
IDF Home Front Command and Rescue Brigade units provided bulldozers, 50 fire trucks, and 300,000 liters of water through military tankers to reinforce ground crews.
Watch Footage as Police Helicopter Navigates Through Wildfire Flames:
Footage from the wildfire zone, captured by KKL-JNF foresters and staff | Photo: Courtesy of KKL-JNF (Jewish National Fund)
Investigation Underway, 18 Arson Suspects Identified
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed during the International Bible Quiz ceremony that 18 individuals are suspected of arson, including one caught in the act. “Some of our neighbors, who claim to love this land, incite to burn it. We are the ones who truly love and protect it,” Netanyahu said.
Firefighting Summary – Key Facts:
- 24-hour operation involving over 100 firefighting teams
- 17 firefighters injured, 3 still hospitalized
- Blaze spread from Mesilat Zion to Route 1 and surrounding areas
- IDF dropped over 95 aerial loads and deployed 50 fire trucks
- International aircraft en route from multiple countries
- Total area affected: thousands of dunams in national parks and forests
Firebreaks, Water Tankers, and Samson Aircraft: The Tools Behind Containment
