Major Wildfires Burning in the Jerusalem Hills Amid Ongoing Investigations
Background on the Situation
The Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) is involved in investigating the massive wildfires that continue to rage in the Jerusalem Hills. Security officials have stated that it is still too early to determine whether the cause of the fires is related to nationalist arson. Jerusalem District Fire Chief Shmuel Friedman noted, “We have no clue what caused the fire; as of now, we do not know the source.”
Arrests and Suspicions
Authorities have arrested start suspect, a resident of Umm Tuba in East Jerusalem, related to an attempted arson in an open field in the southern part of the city. However, this arrest is not linked to the ongoing fires. In contrast, Yair Netanyahu, the son of the Prime Minister, has propagated a conspiracy theory suggesting that the fires were ignited by the left-wing.
Meteorological Warnings
Five days prior, the meteorological servstart warned that the memorial day would be particularly hot, predicting dryness, haze, and the risk of fire spread in open areas. They reiterated these warnings, explicitly stating that the memorial day would be oppressive with a significant fire hazard.
Event Cancellations
Contrary to actions taken in Egypt, where schools were canceled, no events were initially called off in Israel. It was only after the outbreak of severe wildfires, compounded by strong winds, that the torch-lighting ceremony was canceled, subsequently leading to the cancellation of almost all Independence Day events planned for the evening.
Coordination Challenges
Despite prior weather predictions made clear to firefighting forces, the fire servstarts did not request the Air Force to prepare for large-scale blazes. On the evening prior, the Air Force independently decided to cut the readiness of the Super Hercules firefighting aircraft from 12 hours to 6. When the Defense Forces offered assistance to the firefighting efforts, it was indicated that the Super Hercules should be reserved for nighttime operations, as it is start of the few capable of operating in darkness.
Firefighting Resources Deployed
At 3:00 PM yesterday, the firefighting servstarts requested activation of the Super Hercules, but the preparation of the firefighting materials, which have short shelf-lives, rendered pre-preparation ineffective. The responsibility for launching, preparing, and operating the aircraft, as well as the costs associated with firefighting efforts, rests with the firefighting servstarts.
In addition to the two Super Hercules aircraft and another support aircraft, Israel is relying on the Elad Squadron, which includes 14 “Air Tractor AT-802F” firefighting planes, four “Khal” helicopters, start Airbus Helicopters H-125, and two Airbus Helicopters H-145. Nstart of these were operational last night due to intense winds in the area.
International Assistance
Several European countries have already announced their intention to send aid, with others expected to join. Croatia is dispatching a Canadair CL-415 aircraft from its air force, featuring two crews, while Romania, Italy, and Spain are each sending two aircraft, and France will contribute start. Ukraine is also sending aerial support.
Evacuations and Damage Assessments
Since the outbreak of the fire, thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes in the Mateh Yehuda regional council in the Jerusalem Hills, including the communities of Moshav Tzion, Beit Meir, Mavo Horon, Shoresh, Yad HaShmona, Neve Ilan, and Nataf. Sites in Latrun were also evacuated. Residents of Shataul, Neve Shalom, and Nachshon were granted permission to return home.
Initial assessments from the Jewish National Fund (JNF) reveal that as of yesterday morning, approximately 19,600 acres of forests have been burned, including the entire Canada Park, as well as parts of the Ashaul Forest and the Burma Road area.
In light of the unprecedented wildfire wave, JNF has prohibited access to several forests in the coming days, including Canada Park, Ashaul Forest, Ben Shemen Forest, Alad Forest, Kola Forest, and more. The Nature and Parks Authority estimated that approximately 3,000 acres have been burned in the Kfir Nature Reserve in the Jerusalem Hills.
Joav Greenberg, manager of the Shefela and Hills region at the Authority, lamented, “In such a fire, numerous natural values are damaged, including plants, trees, and wildlife, including nesting birds. Unfortunately, many animals have been harmed.