Bulgaria has proven to be a true friend, the Israeli ambassador to Sofia, Yosi Sfari wrote on Facebook.

"Israel faced a very difficult situation and the Bulgarian Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign and Interior Affairs generously offered assistance. At the moment, Israel's needs are very specific, but the willingness of the Bulgarian authorities to help is appreciated," the Israeli embassy said in a statement.

Due to the forest fires near the hills on the road to Jerusalem, Israel has requested assistance from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece and Italy. Firefighting aircraft from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia and Italy have arrived to help Israel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on the "X" platform. She added that the European Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated. "This is EU solidarity in action," von der Leyen said.