‘National Emergency’: Suspected Arson-Terror Fires Engulfs Israel As Independence Day Events Canceled

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A wave of massive wildfires has triggered a national emergency across central and northern Israel, prompting evacuations, the deployment of emergency response teams, and the cancellation of Independence Day events in multiple cities.

Authorities suspect the fires, many erupting on Tuesday during Memorial Day and spreading rapidly into Wednesday, may be acts of arson tied to terrorist activity.

Shin Bet Joins Arson Investigation

Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, has joined police in investigating the cause of the fires, some of which are believed to have been deliberately set. “This is being treated as a national emergency,” an Israeli security source told The Media Line. The source confirmed that “several arrests have been made in connection with the suspected arson attacks,” but withheld further details due to the sensitivity of the investigation.

The fires, fanned by strong winds and dry weather, have devastated property, closed roads, and forced the evacuation of communities west of Jerusalem, with authorities warning that the situation remains “dangerous and unpredictable.”

Terror-Linked Incitement Online

As the fires spread, Palestinian social media channels affiliated with Hamas issued incitements to commit arson. On Wednesday, Hamas posted: “Youth of the West Bank, youth of Jerusalem, and those inside Israel, set their cars ablaze… Gaza awaits the revenge of the free.” Another post declared: “Burn whatever you can of groves, forests, and settler homes.”

A masked figure was shown in a Telegram post setting a field ablaze with the text: “Settlers’ homes will be ashes under the feet of the revolutionaries.”

Firefighting Response and International Aid

Twelve aerial firefighting planes and 105 ground teams are battling active fires at five key sites: Neve Shalom, Latrun Interchange, Latrun, Mesilat Zion, and Canada Park. The National Security Council confirmed that three “Superscooper” firefighting planes are en route from Italy and Croatia.

Fires Reach IDF Memorial Site

A particularly concerning blaze broke out near decommissioned tanks at the Yad Lashiryon IDF memorial site at Latrun, prompting the evacuation of the area. Footage showed chairs still set up for a Memorial Day ceremony as the flames approached.

Independence Day Events Canceled Nationwide

Due to the escalating emergency and dangerous wind conditions, many cities, including Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, Beersheba, Modiin, and Ma’aleh Adumim, have canceled their planned Independence Day celebrations. The torch-lighting ceremony in Jerusalem was canceled earlier, and rallies, including one at Hostages Square, have been postponed.

As wildfires continue to burn, officials are on high alert for further incidents, including the possibility of additional arson attempts inspired by online calls for violence.

“This is not just a natural disaster—it is a coordinated attack on the Israeli people, our land, and our national spirit,” the security source said. “We will respond accordingly.”

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