In late April and early May 2025, Israel faced one of the most severe wildfire crises in its history, with massive blazes erupting near Jerusalem and scorching thousands of acres. Fueled by extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds, the fires prompted a national emergency, forced widespread evacuations, and disrupted major highways, including Route 1, which connects Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The crisis, compounded by allegations of arson and governance shortcomings, exposed vulnerabilities in Israel’s preparedness for climate-driven disasters. This account draws on recent reports to provide a comprehensive overview of the wildfires, their causes, impacts, and the response efforts, while critically examining the narratives surrounding the event. The wildfires began on April 30, 2025, in central Israel, primarily in the Latrun area and the Judean Hills west of Jerusalem. The Israel Meteorological Service had warned of “extreme” weather conditions, with high temperatures, low humidi...
