Arson suspected as fires burn across Israel

Arab arsonists are suspected of taking advantage of the harsh weather conditions to spread destruction and damage.

Israel’s police and rescue services suspect that a spate of mass fires that has hit many areas throughout the country has been caused by arsonists, possibly Arabs driven by nationalistic motives.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan stated Tuesday that the large number of fires raises questions of whether they were intentionally ignited. He called on the public to be alert and report to police and firefighting services any suspected arson activity.

Hundreds of firefighters, a dozen airplanes and IDF reserve units have been combating dozens of mass blazes at several locations across the country around the clock since Monday night.

Israel is experiencing extreme dry and warm weather and, coupled with strong winds, the risk of fires has significantly increased. Arab arsonists are suspected of taking advantage of the harsh weather conditions to spread destruction and damage.

Palestinian arsonists have been captured and convicted of terrorism in the past.

The Fire Department lauded the fighters’ heroic efforts. “They are waging a steadfast battle against the forces of nature,” the department stated, while warning that the weather conditions are expected to become more extreme and the risk of further blazes will heighten.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News