Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a national emergency due to rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem that pose significant danger. Thick smoke was reported along highways and thousands were at risk, with emergency services treating numerous injuries. The military has been deployed to assist firefighters struggling with the worst fires in years, exacerbated by extreme heat and winds. Community evacuations and road closures have occurred as officials prioritize the defense of the city.
Netanyahu warned that the western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of Jerusalem and even into the city itself.
We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one, he said in a video statement on Wednesday.
It's just very sad because we knew the weather, we kind of knew that would happen and still we feel like they weren't ready enough.
The priority right now is defending Jerusalem, he added.
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