Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Israel Battles Suspected Terror Arson as Massive Fires Rage in Jerusalem Hills

Shin Bet Joins Investigation; IDF and International Assistance Deployed Amid Emergency Evacuations and Injuries

By: Fern Sidman

Israel is grappling with a large-scale emergency in the Jerusalem hills region, where massive wildfires have forced the evacuation of multiple communities, left at least 13 people injured, and led authorities to suspect terrorist arson as a possible cause. As reported on Wednesday in multiple Hebrew-language news outlets, the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) has been brought in to assist in the investigation, amid growing indications that the fires may have been deliberately ignited in what officials fear may constitute a coordinated terror attack via arson.

The fires, described by authorities as among the worst in recent memory, broke out early Wednesday and quickly spread across a wide swath of the forested hill country near Beit Shemesh and Latrun, fueled by dry weather, strong winds, and high temperatures, according to a report on the Israel National News web site.  By 10:30 a.m., the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority declared a national emergency and activated all available firefighting units across the country in a desperate attempt to contain the rapidly expanding infernos.

As the flames spread, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the deployment of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft operated by the Israeli Air Force, each capable of dropping over 18,000 liters (4,755 gallons) of water and fire retardant, INN reported. This marked one of the rare occasions that military transport aircraft have been diverted for domestic firefighting purposes—a clear indication of the severity of the crisis.

As of 2:20 p.m. local time, at least eight communities and sites were under full evacuation orders. INN reported that the affected areas included Neve Shalom, Beko’a, Mitzphe Harel, Mesilat Zion, Tarum, Ta’oz, and Nachshon, as well as the Latrun area and Canada Park, a major recreational site. Later in the afternoon, residents of Shoresh and Neve Ilan, located just west of Jerusalem, were also ordered to evacuate as the fire line approached.

Emergency medical services have reported that at least 12 individuals have suffered from smoke inhalation, including two pregnant women and two infants who were hospitalized in stable condition. The Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency response organization remains on high alert across central and southern Israel.

The emergency has cast a long shadow over Israel’s Independence Day celebrations, with several cities—including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem—canceling large-scale public events to free up critical firefighting personnel. The Jewish News Syndicate reported that Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced the cancellation of the traditional torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl, one of the most iconic national events of the holiday.

“I’ve just concluded a situational assessment with emergency officials,” said Minister Regev. “There is a real danger to human life. I will not take any risks.”

The Israel Fire and Rescue Services have declared a “Red Torch” emergency, the highest alert level, activating national firefighting reserves and integrating logistical, aerial, and local government reinforcements.

Previous years have seen similar attempts to set fires as a form of low-tech terror, particularly during high-wind seasons, with perpetrators often seeking to overload emergency services, cause economic damage, and provoke fear among the public.

JNS reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the prime minister held multiple situational assessments throughout Wednesday with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the fire and rescue services, and the National Security Council.

Netanyahu authorized international requests for emergency assistance, and Israel has reached out to Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Italy requesting the deployment of specialized aerial firefighting crews and aircraft.

“We are mobilizing every possible resource—domestic and international—to fight this fire and protect Israeli citizens,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office read.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday afternoon, Chief Fire Officer Eyal Caspi, head of the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority, emphasized the continued volatility of the situation.

“Anyone who has no reason to be in the Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem areas: do not interfere with the firefighters,” said Caspi, as per the JNS report. “Weather conditions are worsening, and the situation remains dangerous and fluid.”

Caspi also warned that additional evacuations could be ordered at a moment’s notice, urging the public to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, five major blazes were still active and uncontained, burning in the areas of Neve Shalom, Latrun Interchange, Latrun Hilltop, Mesilat Zion, and Canada Park.

Hundreds of firefighters, emergency personnel, police, and IDF reservists remain on the ground, battling not only flames but the growing concern that Israel may be facing a new front in asymmetric warfare—this time, through the flames of a forest fire, as was indicated in the JNS report.

One of the most alarming developments, as reported by JNS, involved the closure of major transportation arteries, including a heavily trafficked section of Route 1, the main highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The fire approached both sides of the roadway with such intensity that several motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles and flee on foot, harrowing scenes of which circulated on social media throughout the day. Videos showed walls of flame flanking the asphalt as drivers ran for their lives.

The chaos on Route 1 represented not only a logistical crisis but also a symbolic blow, disrupting one of Israel’s most vital lifelines between two of its major cities. JNS reported that emergency responders and police rapidly moved in to reroute traffic and assist those in distress.

Simultaneously, a new blaze erupted near Ramat Beit Shemesh Bet, threatening residential areas as emergency crews scrambled to contain yet another ignition point. Firefighting teams were also dispatched to Mevo Horon, a community in the Samaria region near Latrun and Modi’in, where residents were ordered to evacuate as a precaution.

 

Magen David Adom (MDA) issued a statement confirming that it had deployed a full spectrum of emergency services in the area. As the JNS report noted, these included ambulances, intensive care units, rapid-response motorcycles, mass-casualty buses, and specialized vehicles, highlighting the scale of the preparedness.

“Magen David Adom is deployed in large numbers at sites near communities close to the fire… capable of evacuating many casualties,” the MDA statement read, as cited by JNS.

In a major escalation of national response efforts, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were officially ordered to assist in firefighting operations. According to the report at JNS, military personnel and equipment were dispatched to bolster civilian firefighting units on the ground. Additionally, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir requested the deployment of military helicopters to aid in rescue and evacuation efforts for civilians who may become trapped.

“All relevant agencies are working to bring about the arrival of the international assistance as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister’s Office said, as reported by JNS.

In response to Israel’s formal call for help, Greece and Cyprus have already committed to sending firefighting aircraft, while Italy, Croatia, Macedonia, and Bulgaria are expected to follow suit. According to JNS, the first international firefighting planes are due to arrive by late Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a public statement thanking rescue workers and foreign allies, expressing deep appreciation for the multinational effort to contain the crisis.

“I thank the countries stepping up to assist Israel at this critical time and send strength to those evacuated from their homes,” Herzog said, according to JNS.

He added, “I express my full support for the firefighters and rescue teams standing guard over our country and working alongside the IDF, local authorities, and all relevant agencies in a broad effort to contain the severe and devastating fires.”

The current emergency follows closely on the heels of two major recent fire incidents. JNS reported that earlier this week, a blaze at the Ein Prat Nature Reserve necessitated the air evacuation of around 100 Orthodox teenage students on a school outing. Just last week, a massive fire near Moshav Ta’oz burned more than 2,500 acres over a 20-hour period before being subdued.

With high temperatures and dry winds continuing across much of Israel amid an ongoing spring heatwave, the Fire and Rescue Authority has urged citizens to stay away from forested areas, comply with evacuation orders, and avoid actions that could inadvertently ignite additional blazes.

As firefighters, soldiers, and international allies battle the flames on multiple fronts, Israel faces not only a natural disaster but the profound emotional and logistical toll that such an event inflicts on a country still scarred by past traumas. The massive mobilization of state resources, and the spirit of cooperation from global partners, underscore the seriousness of the challenge ahead—and the resilience required to overcome it