Full Breakdown
Fire Evacuation in Afeka Settlement Amid West Bank Wildfires
8/20/2026, 8:22:54 AM
Core Event
On Wednesday, residents of the Afeka settlement south of the Hebron Hills were ordered to evacuate after a rapidly expanding fire was detected in the nearby woods. Israel Police blocked Highway 60 to facilitate firefighting operations and advised the public to avoid the area. Activity on the highway returned to normal once the blaze was contained.
Firefighting Operations
Four firefighting aircraft from the “Elad” squadron were deployed, alongside additional ground teams, to prevent the flames from reaching the settlement. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority focused on containment, reporting that the fire was expanding quickly but was ultimately brought under control.
Earlier Regional Fires
Earlier in the month, the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority responded to a separate blaze that ignited near the Beit Dror settlement in the West Bank. That fire originated in an open area and spread toward the settlement under windy conditions, prompting a multi-agency response similar to the Afeka incident.
Official Statements & Responses
Reshef Liran Ben-Rasah, shift commander for the firefighting effort, directed the deployment of aircraft and additional crews. Israel Police emphasized the temporary closure of Highway 60 as a safety measure and urged motorists to follow official guidance.
Verbatim Quotes
“In my assessment of the situation, I ordered the dispatch of firefighting aircraft from the 'Elad' squadron, in addition to the dispatch of additional teams to the scene of the incident,” — Reshef Liran Ben-Rasah — Reshef Liran Ben-Rasah, shift commander.
