Vast swathes of the western Galilee in northern Israel were consumed by wildfires on Monday after rockets launched by Hezbollah set the area alight.
Israeli media reported more than 10 villages threatened by fires, with over 2,500 acres of land burnt. Eleven people were hospitalised as a result of smoke inhalation.
The most severe wildfires were concentrated in the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shimona, which has been a focal point of Hezbollah and affiliated group’s attacks since October.
According to NASA satellite imagery between Monday and Tuesday, blazes were most severe in and around Kiryat Shimona.
The wildfires were the first time that Hezbollah attacks led to extensive wildfires in northern Israel since cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel started in the wake of the 7 October attack led by Hamas. Israeli attacks had created large wildfires in south Lebanon in months prior.
Images of flames engulfing northern Israel alarmed Israelis, with residents of northern towns telling Israeli media that they felt the situation is “getting worse.”
“The north is somewhat neglected and abandoned … We want to feel someone has our backs,” a resident of northern Israel told Israeli outlet Ynet.
