Southern Israel ground to a halt on Wednesday as an enormous sandstorm rolled through the area, preceded by wildfires south of Jerusalem that prompted evacuations and emergency overseas aid.
Footage spread on social media depicted a giant cloud of dust covering the Negev Desert and Beersheba, severely cutting down visibility and giving the sky a rich amber color. The fierce storm hit an Israeli army base in the Negev, where soldiers were seen fighting to close the gates against the torrential wind.
INSANE sandstorm sweeps southern Israel, West Bank amidst raging wildfire crisis pic.twitter.com/QPDIgw3hft
— RT (@RT_com) May 1, 2025
Local meteorologists previously predicted the inclement weather. “During the day, heavy winds will blow, heavy haze will set in, and there will even be sandstorms in the south. The peak of the heat wave is expected this afternoon with temperatures of 98 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast,” Israel National News stated, citing Meteorologist Lior Sudri.
Independence Day of Israel Ceremonies Cancelled
The Israeli government cancelled the live ceremony of the 77th Independence Day on account of the harsh conditions. Television channels aired a pre-recorded dress rehearsal of the event on Wednesday evening instead. The timing of the sandstorm and the ensuing fires was most tragic, occurring on the eve of Israel’s Memorial Day for soldiers who have died fighting.
Simultaneously, fires broke out on the fringes of Jerusalem, and three settlements were evacuated, and Route 1, which is the central highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, was shut down. News footage revealed villagers evacuating their cars and running from heavy, flowing smoke.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Italy and Croatia would provide three firefighting planes to help. Israel has also requested assistance from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, the Foreign Ministry said.
Israeli media quoted that more than 120 fire and rescue squads, as well as military search and rescue forces, have been dispatched. At least 13 individuals were injured, but no fatalities were reported.
