Israeli police evacuated several towns near Jerusalem on Wednesday as fast-moving bushfires swept through the region, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider requesting emergency aid from Greece.
Towns situated around 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of Jerusalem were evacuated, according to police and Israeli media reports, as firefighting crews rushed to control the spreading flames.
Speaking from the national fire service headquarters, Netanyahu instructed his staff to begin reaching out to Greece, and potentially other countries, to request assistance should international support become necessary.
“We do not know how this fire will progress,” said Netanyahu, urging intensified efforts to extinguish the blaze.
“It absolutely must not reach Jerusalem,” he added.
“Of course, we must protect the communities in the fire’s path,” he continued, noting that he was preparing to mobilise reserves from countries like Greece if needed.
Greece experienced a series of devastating wildfires last year, including a major inferno that forced thousands to flee and approached the outskirts of Athens before being brought under control.
The fire near Jerusalem broke out on Wednesday morning in forested areas during a severe heatwave and quickly intensified.
Footage captured by AFP showed firefighting aircraft releasing water and flame retardants in a bid to stem the fire’s advance.
Wildfires remain a persistent hazard in Israel during episodes of extreme heat.