Fire-extinguishing aircraft resumed flights attempting to put out flames approaching communities, to form barriers that would prevent the fires from reaching homes.
Preliminary investigations into the source of the wildfires found no definitive proof of arson. The fire began at the same point where last week's forest fire was ignited and officials said that could have been the source of Thursday's eruption.
After the government appealed for help from other countries, planes from Greece and Italy were expected to arrive later in the day.
The Israel Meteorological Service warned Israelis of the danger of fires spreading and urged extra caution as many set out to celebrate Independence Day with picnics in parks and woodlands.
