Israeli Air Force Assists Cyprus in Battling Deadly Wildfires

Israel is dispatching aircraft and emergency assistance to Cyprus to help battle the wildfires that have ravaged mountain villages, claiming two lives and forcing mass evacuations. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar instructed the Israel Air Force (IAF) and emergency authorities to prepare aerial support, with IAF aircraft set to depart Thursday evening.

“Israel stands with Cyprus, a close friend and neighbor, and remains committed to offering assistance in times of emergency,” the Foreign Ministry stated. Sa’ar has been in close and continuous contact with his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, to ensure rapid deployment of aid.

The fires, which broke out Wednesday, have scorched approximately 38 square miles of forested hillsides, destroyed homes, and forced the evacuation of 14 villages. According to Cyprus’ Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis, crews are continuing to battle flare-ups, with up to 14 aircraft engaged in firefighting efforts. Winds are expected to strengthen, posing further challenges.

Most of the blazes are concentrated in southern Cyprus, particularly in the wine-producing region north of Limassol. Northern Cyprus has so far been largely spared.

This mission reflects Israel’s longstanding readiness to assist nations during crises. In January, Israel sent a team of fire protection experts to Los Angeles to aid local firefighters during major wildfires. In April, Israel itself faced severe blazes that forced evacuations and led to the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations, with the Eshtaol Forest fire prompting the highest fire-alert classification and mass mobilization of resources.

The assistance to Cyprus underscores the close ties between the two nations and Israel’s commitment to international cooperation in times of urgent need.

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