Beersheba: Israel experienced severe sandstorms on Wednesday that drastically reduced visibility in the southern regions, aligning with intensified wildfires fueled by strong winds in the central part of the country. Media outlets broadcasted video clips showing a powerful sandstorm sweeping through Beersheba, located in the Negev Desert in southern Israel. The footage depicted the desert city gradually being consumed by a massive dust cloud.

According to Anadolu Agency, Channel 12 aired videos of soldiers struggling to close the gates of a military base as the sandstorm struck. The channel reported, "This is what Shivta Base (in the Negev) looked like this evening amid an unusual sandstorm," highlighting the soldiers' difficulties in shutting the doors due to the strength of the wind. Meanwhile, firefighting teams continued their efforts to control wildfires spreading across towns between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, exacerbated by strong winds.

Jerusalem District Fire and Rescue Commander Shmulik Friedman commented on the severity of the situation, suggesting that the wildfires might be "the largest in Israel's history," as reported by Israeli Army Radio. In response to the escalating crisis, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency earlier in the day, ordering the army to assist firefighters in the Jerusalem Hills region.

Channel 12 further reported that Israel canceled all scheduled 'Independence Day' celebrations due to the massive wildfires. 'Independence Day,' which marks the 1948 establishment of Israel, coincides with Palestinian commemorations of the Nakba, the mass displacement of Palestinians during that period. In light of the ongoing crisis, Israeli rescue authorities evacuated residents from several towns in central Israel last week amid the widespread wildfires, which were triggered by soaring temperatures and strong winds. These fires have already destroyed 10,000 dunums (2,500 acres) and injured nine people.