Israel declares national emergency as massive wildfires rage near Jerusalem
_vb_34.jpeg)
Jerusalem: Israel is grappling with its worst wildfires in decades as massive blazes spread rapidly in areas surrounding Jerusalem. Responding to the situation Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a national emergency. The fires, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, have triggered large-scale evacuations and road closures, with authorities warning that the flames could reach the capital.
According to reports, smoke was seen billowing over major highways near Jerusalem on Wednesday, as firefighters rushed to control the situation. Several individuals have been injured, and hundreds of civilians are believed to be at risk, said Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency, as reported by The Guardian.
The wildfires have engulfed forested regions west of Jerusalem, with authorities evacuating towns and deploying police personnel along the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway. Citizens have been advised to avoid the affected routes and stay away from national parks, many of which have been closed due to the danger.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who visited the affected sites, suggested that arson may be a possible cause behind the fires. He added that an investigation is underway.
Israel has reached out to neighboring countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, and Italy, seeking assistance. Italy and Croatia have reportedly agreed to send three aircraft to support firefighting operations on the ground.
Social media footage shows the fires approaching several illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. Emergency services are working around the clock to prevent further spread and minimize damage.
With temperatures expected to remain high, authorities continue to monitor the fire’s progress and have not ruled out additional evacuations if conditions worsen.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Suhas Shetty murder: BJP leaders meet Karnataka Guv with plea for NIA probe
Bengaluru, May 9 (PTI): Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Friday urged Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to recommend to the state government to order NIA probe into the recent murder of a Hindu activist in Mangaluru.
Vijayendra led a delegation of BJP leaders, which called on Gehlot at Raj Bhavan.
According to the state BJP chief, the party has been pressing for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into Suhas Shetty's murder since the incident occurred last week.
Speaking to the reporters after meeting the Governor, he said, "Our hopes with the state government to order an impartial investigation into Suhas's murder have been dashed. Therefore, all our people's representatives and the family members of Suhas met the Governor."
Vijayendra also suspected the involvement of banned outfit, Popular Front of India in the murder plot and claimed that funding was received by the organisation for killing the Hindu activist.
He also mentioned that the opposition BJP has decided to conduct a 'Mangaluru Chalo' campaign to press for its demand.
As many as eight people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru.
"ಭಂಡ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಎಚ್ಚರಿಸಲು ಗೌರವಾನ್ವಿತ ರಾಜ್ಯಪಾಲರಿಗೆ ಮನವಿ"
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) May 9, 2025
ನಮ್ಮ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಶಾಸಕರುಗಳ ನಿಯೋಗದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಇಂದು ಗೌರವಾನ್ವಿತ ರಾಜ್ಯಪಾಲರನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿ ಮಾಡಿ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಹಿಂದೂ ಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತ ಸುಹಾಸ್ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ ಅವರ ಹತ್ಯೆ ಪ್ರಕರಣದ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಲವು ಅನುಮಾನಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ದೇಶವಿರೋಧಿ ಶಕ್ತಿಗಳ ಕೈವಾಡ ಇರುವ ಶಂಖೆ ವ್ಯಕ್ತವಾಗಿದ್ದು,… pic.twitter.com/GuT5I4Q2pU
