Today marked a somber yet resilient Memorial Day in Israel, overshadowed by massive wildfires near Jerusalem and escalating regional tensions.

As the nation transitioned from honoring its fallen soldiers and terror victims to celebrating its 77th Independence Day, a series of events highlighted both internal challenges and external pressures.

Israel grappled with what fire officials described as potentially the country’s largest-ever wildfires, raging west of Jerusalem.

According to the Times of Israel, the blazes forced the cancellation of the live Independence Day ceremony at Mount Herzl, with a pre-recorded rehearsal broadcast instead.

Motorists abandoned vehicles on Route 1 as flames encroached, and celebrations were nixed nationwide.

European countries, including France, pledged aid to combat the fires, which underscored the environmental and logistical challenges facing Israel during a time meant for national unity.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar appealed for international assistance, reflecting the severity of the crisis.