Demands for Smart Cameras in Forests and Outcry Over Budget Cuts: “Fires Are Not Fate”

Rising Concerns Over Forest Fires and Government Preparedness

As the battle against devastating forest fires continues, Israel is concurrently facing mounting criticism regarding apparent inadequacies in fire preparedness. Over 20 environmental and health organizations have urgently called upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Environmental Protection Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to implement governmental measures to combat wildfires influenced by climate change.

In a letter penned to the officials, these organizations underlined that the current fires are not an inescapable fate but rather a direct result of inadequate policy and persistent disregard for expert opinions and warnings from the State Comptroller. They criticized a significant budget cut of 217 million shekels to the Fire and Rescue Authority’s budget for 2025 — from 1.99 billion shekels in 2024 to 1.77 billion in 2025 — alongside the lack of effective emergency plans in many at-risk communities as a severe governmental oversight.

Urgent Demands from Environmental Organizations

The letter included a list of 12 urgent demands directed at the government, stressing the importance of immediate action to safeguard natural environments, human lives, and valuable properties. Key demands included:

• Convening an emergency discussion in the Knesset next week upon returning from recess.
• Establishing an inter-ministerial team for effectively prosecuting arsonists and polluters, whether by intention or negligence.
• Allocating funds for a national plan to prepare for climate emergencies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Creating integration among different systems, utilizing climate data and various emergency agencies.
• Establishing a permanent collaboration mechanism with neighboring countries concerning wildfire combatting efforts.
• Installing smart cameras in forests and nature reserves for early fire detection, identifying arsonists, and enabling rapid responses.

Additional requests called for strengthening the firefighting squadron with dedicated resources, promoting buffer zstarts around communities and between open spaces and buildings, and enhancing community preparedness through local response teams equipped for early fire detection and intervention.

Weather Conditions and International Aid

As firefighters continue their efforts, weather conditions have shifted favorably, bringing a potential opportunity for full fire extinguishment. However, this “window of opportunity” is expected to close by 14:00, with strong western winds predicted to resume between 16:00 and 19:00, potentially reigniting fire risks.

Currently, 23 high-intensity firefighting teams are operating in the areas of Beit Meir and Shorashim, supported by 10 firefighting aircraft. Authorities have enforced a ban on open flames across all parts of the country, except in designated areas. Recent reports from Assaf Harofeh Hospital revealed that three individuals remain hospitalized due to injuries sustained in a fire incident at Sha’ar HaGai, while nine others have been discharged.

Several European nations have extended their assistance in combating these wildfires. Croatia has dispatched a Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft with two crews, while Romania, Italy, and Spain have committed to sending two aircraft each. Additionally, Ukraine and Cyprus are providing aerial support, and France is contributing two Canadair CL-410 planes expected to arrive today to aid in extinguishing the flames.

As the crisis unfolds, the combination of governmental action and community engagement remains pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by climate-related wildfires