ISRAEL is facing a “national emergency” as rapidly spreading wildfires burn towards Jerusalem.
Cops have arrested 18 suspects on suspicion of arson following the monster inferno.
YouTubeIsrael is facing a “national emergency” as rapidly spreading wildfires burn towards Jerusalem[/caption]
YouTubeTerrified drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles after the flames reached the highway[/caption]
EPAThe fires are the worst Israel has faced in years[/caption]
GettyFirefighters work at the scene[/caption]
Shocking footage shows thick black smoke above the main highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv as firefighters race to control the blaze.
Horrified drivers were forced to abandon their cars and flee in terror.
The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, warned that the fires could reach the city and declared a “national emergency”.
At least 12 people were treated in hospitals on Wednesday, mainly due to smoke inhalation, while another 10 people were treated in the field, according to Israeli emergency services.
The fire broke out around midday on Wednesday, fueled by hot, dry conditions and fanned by strong winds that quickly whipped up the flames burning through a pine forest.
Several communities were evacuated as a precaution as the smoke turned the skies over Jerusalem gray.
The fire has burned about 5,000 acres and is the most significant fire Israel has had in the past decade, according to a spokesperson for Israels fire and rescue authority Tal Volvovitch.
Volvovitch said the fire has miraculously not damaged any homes.
The road was opened again on Thursday.
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