Israel's Massive Wildfire Contained After 30-Hour Firefighting

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israel announced that the massive wildfire in the Jerusalem area had been brought under control after almost 30 hours on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The fire in Israel destroyed 4,942 hectares of land.

The Fire and Rescue Authority announced that they have successfully controlled the large fire that occurred in the Jerusalem Hills on Wednesday, according to Israel's public broadcasting agency KAN and Channel 12. The state broadcaster said a special investigation team has been formed to determine the cause.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the fire in Israel of being intentional. However, Channel 12 reported that the main fire in Jerusalem Hills was not intentionally set. Based on the investigation, the fire was caused by negligence.

As quoted by Anadolu, Netanyahu said his authority has detained 18 people suspected of intentional arson, one was caught in the act.

However, the Israeli Army Radio denied these claims. Only three people have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper also reported that there is no evidence the fire in Israel was intentional.

Thousands of residents from several cities were evacuated on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, due to the raging wildfire between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Dozens of cars were trapped, and drivers had to walk across the road to save themselves from the flames.

In addition to the fires, Israel was hit by a sandstorm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Various media outlets aired video clips showing a massive sandstorm hitting Beersheba in the Negev Desert in southern Israel.

Israel has requested international assistance. Sky News reported that several countries, including Spain, Italy, France, Croatia, Ukraine, and Romania, have sent aircraft to extinguish the fire.

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