For the third consecutive day, fires burned throughout Israel on Thursday as tens of thousands were told to evacuate northern Israel immediately.
The security establishment increasingly believes that several of the wildfires may have been politically motivated cases of arson, though they are likely a series of isolated incidents and not the work of a larger organization.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said the fires, which have been largely fueled by a two-month drought, are expected pick up further Thursday and Friday and last until next week due to heavy wind gusts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, who confirmed that Russia will immediately send two Be-200 planes to help battle the fires. Turkey also agreed to send aircraft to help battle the fires, joining Greece, Italy, Croatia and Cyprus in those who have pledged to help. Ten planes in total are being sent to Israel.
In the northern city of Haifa, several roads and schools were closed and dozens of residents were evacuated in some neighborhoods, while tens of thousands were told to evacuate immediately.
Haifa Mayor Yonah Yahav told Channel 2 TV there were several fires in his city. Yahav also said there were indications one of the fires was caused when “someone tossed a cigarette in an area full of oil and flammable fluids” in an industrial zone. Thick smoke billowed over homes as high flames scorched trees and greenery nearby.
A blaze in the Jerusalem corridor consumed part of a decades-old hilltop community, and northern Zichron Yaakov was on lockdown after some of its homes were destroyed by blazes on Tuesday.
Six years ago, Israel brought in a U.S. supertanker to help douse a fire in the Carmel Forest near Haifa that claimed the lives of 40 Israelis, most of them prison guards and police officers.
Just taking full advantage of optimal weather conditions for their nefarious activities.
Nothing happens without Hashem’s awareness and even reluctant permission. The Arabs might have done this, but they are only an evil Schliach. Moshiach should come immediately!
#7 I agree with you 100% what happened and how did the fire start it
Contact the shluchim in the area to find out how to assist them. they will surely be the ones to provide true yiddishe assistance to all those evacuated
pray for rain NOW
how did the fire break out???
JNF (Jewish National Fund) has set up an online donation site
An easy way to help us is to DAVEN & TEHILLIM. Israel needs rain….heavy, ongoing downpours. It is all that will help us right now.
It was Arabs and some of them were arrested
collive is also expressing themselves politcally correct? say it how it is, the arabs are terrorizing the country, these are terrorists!!
Does anyone know of legitimate organizations we can donate money to those that are affected by the fires?
Please post and let’s all give generously,
May Hashem take care of HIS people. We’ve been waiting for Moshiach for way too long. Enough is enough!
After a fire, one becomes rich. Invest in Israel.