Jerusalem: Israeli authorities evacuated residents of several towns in central Israel on Wednesday as widespread wildfires were fueled by soaring temperatures and strong winds. Police closed Route 38, a major traffic route from central Israel to Jerusalem, and relocated residents from the towns of Eshtaol, Beit Meir, and Mesilat Zion due to the fires raging in the Beit Shemesh area.

According to Anadolu Agency, the blaze initially started near Moshav Tarum in central Israel and quickly spread because of the high temperatures and strong winds. Israel's National Fire and Rescue Authority reported that 11 firefighting aircraft and over 100 crews from across the country are actively working to combat the fires in the Eshtaol area of the Jerusalem hills.

Social media footage depicted crowds of people walking along the highway near Rehovot city, enveloped by heavy smoke. Israel's Channel 12 disclosed that three firefighters were injured while tackling the blazes in the Jerusalem hills.

The Israeli police released a statement indicating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a situation assessment at the firefighting command center in Eshtaol. He was joined by Police Commissioner Daniel Levi, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir participated via phone from the US. The statement detailed Commissioner Levy's directive to prepare forces for night operations, maintaining efforts on highways and in towns using all available resources, including the police air unit.

Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that Commissioner Levy ordered a general mobilization of firefighters to sustain efforts to control the fires and prevent further spread. In a televised address following the meeting, Netanyahu advocated for the use of a 'Shimshon' (Super Hercules) aircraft to assist firefighting efforts between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. He also mentioned preparations to seek support from foreign nations, such as Greece, to help extinguish the fires.

The Israel Meteorological Service had previously warned of 'harsh' weather conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, with potential record-breaking temperatures, heightening the risk of fires.