Israel declares national emergency as wildfires force evacuations

Wildfires threaten parts of Israel, but firefighters reopened a major road between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv after initial closures near Jerusalem. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared a national emergency, prompting evacuations and canceled Independence Day events, with Channel 12 airing a pre-recorded ceremony instead. The situation highlights criticism about insufficient emergency preparedness, particularly due to delayed plane arrivals from other countries, while the military uses ground and air efforts to contain the flames, though containment remains uncertain in origin or intent.