Netanyahu announces arrest of 18 suspected of igniting Jerusalem wildfires

Roya News

01-05-2025

''Israeli'' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the arrest of 18 individuals suspected of involvement in starting the wildfires that have been raging across the hills surrounding Jerusalem.
'We are currently holding 18 suspects in connection with the fires, one of whom was caught in the act,' Netanyahu said on Thursday, according to ''Israeli'' news outlet Ynet. He stressed that 'Israel' is doing everything it can to contain the fires and repair the damage.
Firefighting crews continued their efforts Thursday to bring the wildfires under control, after flames erupted Wednesday along the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The fires forced the evacuation of thousands of residents from nearby communities and led to widespread road closures.
Seventeen firefighters were also injured during operations, according to the 'Israeli' Broadcasting Corporation. After hours of firefighting, several major roads—including the main Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway—were reopened. Police confirmed in a brief statement: 'All roads have been reopened to traffic.'
In response to the crisis, Netanyahu declared a national emergency, warning that the wildfires could reach the city of Jerusalem itself. Police reported that five areas, roughly 30 kilometers west of the city, had been evacuated as a precaution.
By Thursday, police allowed residents of the Mevo Horon settlement—located between Latrun and Modi'in—to return home. 'Independence Day' celebrations scheduled for Wednesday evening were canceled to prioritize firefighting efforts.
The ''Israeli'' army said in a statement that dozens of heavy engineering machines were deployed overnight to create firebreaks and contain the blaze. Over 95 fire suppressant loads were dropped from aircraft in an attempt to halt the fire's spread.