Croatia is sending one Canadair CL-415 aircraft from the Croatian Air Force, along with two flight crews, to Israel to assist in fighting wildfires, the Ministry of Defence (MORH) announced on Wednesday.
Following an order from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, a Canadair CL-415 aircraft with two flight crews — a total of 11 members of the Croatian Armed Forces — will be deployed to the State of Israel to assist in extinguishing the fires, the ministry stated.
Wildfires spread on Wednesday on the outskirts of Jerusalem, prompting evacuations and the closure of a major highway, as Israel called for international assistance in battling the blazes, according to Reuters.
The Ministry of Defence noted in its statement that Croatia is sending aid in direct response to Israel’s request.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Italy and Croatia are expected to send three firefighting planes to help combat the fires. Israel has also appealed to Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria for assistance, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said, as reported by Reuters.
Israeli media reported that 120 fire and rescue services have mobilized dozens of teams, aircraft, and helicopters in an effort to contain the fires. The army added that its search and rescue units are also assisting in operations.