Between April 30 and May 3, 2025, severe wildfires erupted in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, particularly affecting areas west of Jerusalem. The fires led to the evacuation of over 10,000 residents from communities including Neve Shalom, Beko'a, Ta'oz, Mevo Horon, Mishmar Ayalon, and Nahshon. Major highways, notably Route 1 connecting Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, were closed due to the rapidly spreading flames. At least 45 individuals sustained injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation and burns. The fires coincided with Israel's Memorial Day, resulting in the cancellation of numerous commemorative events. In response, Israel declared a national emergency, deployed Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units, and sought international assistance, receiving firefighting aircraft from countries such as Italy and Croatia. The cause of the wildfires is under investigation, with preliminary assessments suggesting possible negligence by hikers.

Wildfires are a recurring issue in Israel, particularly during the dry season from April to November. The Jerusalem Mountains have historically been susceptible to such fires. Between 1987 and 2009, approximately 4,000 wildfire incidents occurred in this region, with large wildfires (affecting at least 6,000 dunams) occurring on average once every 12 years. The last major wildfire in the area occurred in 2021.

By the evening of April 30, 2025, the Fire and Rescue Services had deployed 163 firefighting squads and 12 airplanes. The IDF contributed over 50 fire engines, several search and rescue teams, and more than 300,000 liters of water. The Israeli Air Force dispatched firefighting teams and aircraft, including Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules planes, which dropped over 95 loads of fire retardant overnight.

Israel sought international aid, receiving firefighting aircraft from Italy and Croatia. Additional assistance was requested from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. Countries such as Romania, Spain, France, Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Cyprus also sent firefighting aircraft. The Palestinian Authority offered firefighting squads around Jerusalem, but Israel did not respond to the request.

The wildfires led to the evacuation of over 10,000 residents from communities including Neve Shalom, Beko'a, Ta'oz, Mevo Horon, Mishmar Ayalon, and Nahshon. Major highways, notably Route 1 connecting Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, were closed due to the rapidly spreading flames. At least 45 individuals sustained injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation and burns. The fires coincided with Israel's Memorial Day, resulting in the cancellation of numerous commemorative events.

The fires burned approximately 25,000 dunams (over 6,170 acres) of land, including forests and agricultural areas. Significant damage was reported to agricultural lands, including vineyards and olive trees. The Jewish National Fund estimated that around 20,000 dunams were destroyed, with 13,000 being woodland. No homes were reported destroyed, but the fires caused significant environmental damage.

The cause of the wildfires is under investigation. Preliminary assessments suggest possible negligence by hikers, as more hikers than average had visited the Mesilat Zion area, where the fire started, in the hours preceding it. Some officials have alleged that the fires were acts of terrorism committed by members of the Arab population against the Jewish population. As of May 1, 2025, three suspects had been detained in connection to the start of the wildfires.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog connected the wildfire with the climate crisis, stating that the fire and climate change require the population to prepare for challenges and to make decisions and legislation to combat the changes. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the Israeli fire department, publicly accused Palestinians of setting the fire and called for their execution. Dov Ganem, chairman of the Israel Fire and Air Rescue Association, raised concerns about the lack of preparedness for wildfires, stating that he had been raising concerns for almost twenty years but had been met with indifference from politicians.

Israel has experienced significant wildfires in the past. In November 2016, a series of fires burned nearly 10,000 acres, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Investigations found that 90% of those fires were caused by arson, with officials declaring them acts of terrorism.

The recent wildfires underscore the ongoing challenges Israel faces in managing and preventing such disasters. The combination of environmental factors, potential human negligence, and the complexities of regional politics highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate future wildfire risks.