Netanyahu Says 18 Arrested Over Suspected Arson in Jerusalem Wildfires, Vows Full Rehabilitation Effort

By: Fern Sidman

As wildfires rage across the hills surrounding Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that 18 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of arson, one of whom was allegedly caught in the act. The startling revelation came during his address at the annual Bible Contest in Jerusalem, where Netanyahu briefly diverted from the celebratory atmosphere to address the unfolding national emergency, according to The Times of Israel.

“This is not a simple thing,” Netanyahu stated. “There is harm to nature and also harm to people.” His remarks, cited by The Times of Israel, underscored the potential severity of the fires, which have scorched vast areas of forest, threatened local communities, and stretched the capacity of emergency services.

While the Fire and Rescue Services have publicly stated that the exact cause of the fires remains under investigation, Netanyahu’s comments suggested a working theory within security and intelligence circles that arson may be a leading cause. “We’re holding 18 people at the moment who are suspected of arson, one of whom was caught in the act,” the prime minister said, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Though the fires continue to burn in some areas, fire crews have been making progress in containment. Helicopters, ground crews, and volunteers have all joined in the firefighting effort, especially in sensitive ecological zones and in proximity to residential communities.

The Times of Israel report noted that the fires have already resulted in significant damage to natural reserves, flora and fauna, and have led to multiple evacuations in rural communities near Jerusalem. Videos shared on social media and carried by local news outlets show thick plumes of smoke blanketing the capital’s outskirts, while exhausted firefighters and emergency teams battle intense heat and shifting winds.

Netanyahu emphasized that the government is fully mobilized to respond. “We’re doing everything we can to thwart the fire and rehabilitate what was destroyed,” he said, assuring the public that environmental and security agencies are coordinating to mitigate further damage.

According to the information in The Times of Israel report, the Israel Police and Shin Bet are jointly handling the criminal investigation surrounding the suspected arsonists. The decision to detain 18 individuals suggests authorities are treating the fires not only as a natural disaster but as a possible coordinated act of sabotage. This adds a troubling layer of national security to an already volatile situation.

So far, no official details have been released regarding the identities or motives of the suspects. The report in Times of Israel noted that similar past incidents have occasionally had nationalist or ideological motivations, though officials have yet to attribute any specific motive in the current investigation.

Environmental groups and lawmakers have also responded with concern. While some have focused on the suspected criminal elements, others are calling for a long-term fire prevention strategy. “Regardless of the cause, we need a comprehensive national plan that prepares for extreme weather events, strengthens forest monitoring, and upgrades firefighting infrastructure,” one Knesset member told The Times of Israel.

Meanwhile, the prime minister struck a note of cautious optimism, promising that the nation would recover. “I am sure that we will succeed in dealing with this challenge as well,” Netanyahu said.

With the fires still active and the investigation into suspected arson ongoing, The Times of Israel reported that the coming days will be critical both in terms of containment and clarity about what—or who—sparked the devastating blazes