WILDFIRES HAD ERUPTED IN NESS ZIONA NEAR TEL AVIV

Wildfires had erupted in Ness Ziona near Tel Aviv in central Israel, driven by soaring temperatures that prompted evacuations.

The fire started in an open forested area before rapidly spreading to residential neighborhoods, burning at least three buildings.

Residents were evacuated from homes closest to the epicenter of the fire as 21 firefighting units worked to control the blaze and prevent it from reaching more houses.

Massive wildfires in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv injured 21 people in May and had consumed 20,000 dunams (4,940 acres) of forested land, requiring 31 hours to contain.