Number arrested on suspicion of arson after Israel fires rises to 18, Netanyahu claims

The total number of people who have been arrested on suspicion of arson after wildfires swept Israel has now risen to 18, Prime Minister Netanyahu has claimed.

Pro-Hamas social media accounts called on supporters to set fires yesterday as flames tore through the area around Jerusalem – though it is believed the first blaze started naturally.

However, police have disputed Netanyahu’s account, confirming only three detentions – none in the Jerusalem area.

According to the Jewish National Fund, around 5,000 acres of land has been destroyed since the fires broke out, including Canada Park near Beit Shemesh.

Nations including Croatia, Italy and Cyprus sent firefighting aircraft to Israel's aid (Image: Flash90)Flash90

Meanwhile, Israel has seen an international outpouring of support as it was ravaged yesterday by wildfires that are only now beginning to subside.

European nations including Cyprus, Italy and Croatia sent firefighting aircraft to the area around Jerusalem as the inferno spread out across central Israel.

Even the Palestinian Authority (PA) offered to send firefighting teams across from the West Bank, but this was met with no response from Israeli officials, per the latest reports in Hebrew media.

Several public celebrations of Israeli Independence Day were cancelled as a result, including the torch-lighting ceremony featuring freed hostage Emily Damari. Instead, the event was televised using pre-recorded clips from rehearsals.

However, an offer of assistance from the PA reportedly went unanswered (Image: Flash90)Flash90

All those evacuated from their homes have now been allowed to return, but fire crews and IDF units continue to contain the outbreaks in six areas around Jerusalem.

Eyal Caspi, who is leading the response, said that firefighters were “working in difficult conditions, with heroism, dedication and self-sacrifice”, adding: “Teams have been working for long hours, almost without any breaks, from yesterday morning until now, and will continue to work with great intensity.”

The fires have now been contained to six areas, but have destroyed around 5,000 acres of land (Image: Flash90)Flash90

Despite the fires, Israeli President Isaac Herzog was still able to attend an event honouring the service of IDF soldiers, praising their “bravery and determination”.

Addressing the emergency, he said: “This fire is part of the climate crisis, which must not be ignored.

"It requires us to prepare for serious and significant challenges and to make decisions – including appropriate legislation.”

He also thanked fire crews for “risking their lives for almost a full day now to save lives and contain the great fire”.