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.

Authorities reopened the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem after gaining partial control of the blaze, but warned that a change in the wind could fan the flames.

Wildfires erupted near Jerusalem during Israel's Independence Day, forcing mass evacuations and road closures on Wednesday.