Wildfires force evacuations in West Bank, northern Israel

Wildfires on Saturday forced evacuations in the West Bank settlement of Havat Gilad and several locations in northern Israel. In Havat Gilad, a fast-moving blaze, originating near Kedumim and fueled by strong winds, destroyed approximately 13 homes, a garage, and a lumber storage facility, injuring two firefighters. The Fire and Rescue Service noted, "The fire moved quickly with the winds and crossed the first line of homes." Highway 55 was closed for evacuations.

• In northern Israel, residents of Shimshit in the Jezreel Valley were evacuated from the first row of homes due to a wildfire in nearby open terrain, which was stopped before reaching the community.
• Another fire near Kfar Vradim was brought under control after igniting in an open area.
• A fourth wildfire near Mount Tabor, close to Shibli, was also contained.

Northern District Fire Commander Yair Elkayam stated, "After extensive efforts by firefighters, firefighting aircraft and supporting forces, we have contained the incidents and stopped the spread of the fires."