Israeli air mission helps Greece from wild inferno
In a heroic operation, Israeli teams have triumphed over the scorching flames in Greece, leaving the region safe and secure.
Photo: Israel Police Spokesperson’s Unit.
After days of relentless effort, they have emerged victorious, ready to return to Israel, A closing ceremony marked the end of this mission, with guests, including the Israeli Ambassador to Greece and other dignitaries, present to honour the firefighters.
Facing extreme temperatures of over 45 degrees Celsius, the Israeli aid mission’s aircraft battled the blaze, carrying out numerous sorties with remarkable coordination alongside Greek counterparts. Planes continuously swooped down to quell the flames.
Superintendent Chaim Bar-Gil, the commander of the mission, declared, “Mission accomplished! Through unwavering teamwork and professionalism, we managed to stick to tight schedules and tame the inferno. Our primary goal was to stamp out the fires and prevent further destruction, and we did just that, even in the face of challenging weather conditions. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the seamless collaboration of local and international teams. We now stand ready to tackle any future blazes in Israel, fueled by the soaring temperatures this week.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the “Elad” squadron’s firefighting planes and their exceptional crew, acknowledging that their efforts had been instrumental in assisting Greece.
The devastating fires caused significant damage to forests and buildings in Attica, and while the situation there has stabilised, the battle still rages on in Rhodes. However, the Greeks are immensely grateful for the swift and effective Israeli assistance. Tomorrow morning, a heartwarming closing ceremony will be held to bid farewell to the Israeli firefighters, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
Led by the Ministry of National Security, in close coordination with the Israel Police Air Division and supported by the Fire and Rescue Services, this relief mission comprised four pilots, skilled ground crews, wildfire experts, and top-of-the-line equipment. A united front was formed with the participation of the National Security Council of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Emergency Management Authority, the IDF, the Ministry of Defense, the Israeli Embassy in Greece, and the Israeli Embassy in Cyprus.
