On April 30, 2025, intense wildfires erupted in the Judean Hills, near Jerusalem, due to a combination of extreme heat and strong winds. The flames quickly swept through the Eshtaol Forest, affecting areas between Mesilat Zion and Neve Shalom. Residents of several nearby towns, including Mesilat Zion, Beit Meir, and Eshtaol, were evacuated as a safety measure. Over 50 firefighting units, supported by aircraft and a helicopter, were dispatched to control the blaze. Major roads such as Highways 1 and 38 were closed, and train services around Jerusalem were suspended. Some drivers had to abandon their vehicles because of the rapidly advancing fire. The Israeli government declared a national emergency and requested firefighting assistance from other countries. Reinforcements from Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Cyprus are expected to join the response efforts. The fires, fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, forced the cancellation of Independence Day torch-lighting ceremonies. Authorities are continuing to evaluate the damage and are preparing plans to restore the affected regions once the fires are fully contained.