On Wednesday a severe sandstorm hit Southern Israel. Reports suggest that winds tore through the southern parts of the country. A massive dust cloud engulfing the Negev Desert, Beersheba, and the outskirts of Jerusalem. Earlier, meteorologists issued a forecast warning about strong winds. The wildfires were described as one of the largest in the nation’s history by the authorities.
Israel National News quoted Meteorologist Lior Sudri statement
During the day, heavy winds will blow, heavy haze will set in, and there will even be sandstorms in the south. The peak of the heat wave is expected this afternoon with temperatures of 98 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast,
The Israel government has also cancelled the Israel’s 77th Independence Day live ceremony due to these extreme weather conditions. Authorities announced the closure of a main highway and the evacuation of communities.
The country’s firefighting services have banned access to national parks and forests in affected areas.
Israel has appealed for international assistance to help fight these massive sandstorms and wildfire blazes. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Italy and Croatia were expected to send three firefighting planes to help extinguish the flames. Israel has also appealed to Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria for help. Netanyahu declared this as a national emergency and said “The priority right now is defending Jerusalem.”
Israeli military reported that 120 fire and rescue services had mobilised dozens of teams, aircraft and helicopters to try to contain these fires. Though there are no reports of fatalities at least 13 people were injured.
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National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested that arson may be a factor in the disaster, with police arresting a resident of east Jerusalem caught allegedly trying to ignite a field in the city’s southern area.
Officials fear the current fire could surpass 2010 Mount Carmel fire devastation which lasted for 4 days, claimed 44 lives, and destroyed more than 12,000 acres in northern Israel.