Israel was again hit by forest and land fires in the hills of Jerusalem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Israel was again hit by forest and land fires in the hills of Jerusalem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. This disaster apparently overwhelmed the Israeli government to the point of asking for international assistance.

According to the Times of Israel report, Israeli Foreign Minister Kidon Saar even contacted Lusina Negara to ask for help to extinguish the fire. Saar is known to have contacted his colleagues in several countries such as England, France, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Argentina, Spain, North Macedonia, and Azerbaijan.

Previously, the Israeli government had officially submitted a request for assistance to Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria. The Israeli National Security Council has also confirmed that three super scooper aircraft belonging to Canada Air are on their way from Italy and Croatia to assist in extinguishing operations from the air.

In addition, Romania is reported to be sending two aircraft consisting of one firefighting aircraft and one for logistical support on Thursday, May 1, 2025. According to a statement from Saar’s office, Spain said it would help. Several other countries such as France, Ukraine, and Ecuador are also said to have expressed their willingness to help.

The fire caused the highway connecting Tel Afif and Jerusalem to be closed on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Strong winds, hot and dry weather are said to have caused the fire to spread. As of Wednesday night, firefighters had not been able to control the fire. After more than 30 hours, Israeli authorities announced that the fire was completely under control.