Many highways have been closed, and trains and buses have been halted as well.
“We’re trying to save ourselves. Some soldiers and police officers directed us toward Tel Aviv," the evacuee continued.
The aircraft is capable of dropping tens of thousands of liters of water or fire retardant in a single mission, making it one of the most powerful tools available in fighting wildfires.
It is unclear if any countries have responded to Israel's request.
A massive wildfire broke out in the Jerusalem hills, prompting evacuations and forcing the closure of Highway 1 in both directions between Anava and Shoresh.
Around 50 fire crews and 10 firefighting planes and a helicopter have been deployed to extinguish the blaze.
After over 30 hours, the fires that raged across central Israel have been fully contained. Forces will work into the night to completely extinguish the blaze.
What can Israelis expect from the rest of the hot season, and what other climate-related impacts might be felt this season?
Massive wildfire destroys nature reserve, two years after restoration project
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also instructed the IDF and Fire and Rescue Brigades to prepare reserves from Greece and other countries abroad.
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