Israel wildfires spread near Jerusalem, drawing national emergency declaration from Netanyahu

Bet Shemesh, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem could reach the city, as he declared the situation a "national emergency."

Thick smoke billowed above highways near Jerusalem as firefighters rushed to control wildfires that have injured several people and prompted the military to deploy troops and other resources to help.

Israel's Magen David Adom rescue agency reported that hundreds of civilians were at risk from the worst brushfires in years.