BET SHEMESH, ISRAEL: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem could reach the city, as he declared the situation a "national emergency".

Thick smoke billowed above motorways near Jerusalem as firefighters raced to contain blazes that have injured several people and prompted the military to deploy troops in support.

Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency reported that hundreds of civilians were at risk from what it described as the worst wildfires in years.

MDA said it had treated around 23 individuals, with 13 taken to hospital — most suffering from smoke inhalation and burns.