Three arrested as wildfires ruin Israeli independence day service

Three people have been arrested after multiple wildfires broke out on Wednesday in the hills outside Jerusalem, forcing evacuations, road closures and the cancellation of a torch-lighting ceremony ahead of Israel’s independence day.

The most severe blaze ignited in the Eshtaol Forest near Mesilat Zion and Neve Shalom, two villages to the west of Jerusalem, prompting immediate evacuations. Flames spread rapidly through the parched terrain, intensified by dry weather and gusty conditions.

Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced the cancellation of the annual torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, which was scheduled for Wednesday evening.

View of a massive wildfire near Latrun, April 30, 2025. Photo by Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** שריפה לטרון כבאים אש יער שריפת ענקFlash90

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

Authorities declared a “Red Torch” emergency level, the highest fire-alert classification, activating national firefighting reserves, aerial reinforcements and logistical support.

Major roads, including sections of Route 1 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, were shut down as the flames advanced. Videos posted online showed drivers abandoning their vehicles and fleeing on foot, with fire on both sides of the highway.

Another fire erupted near Beit Shemesh, threatening residential areas as responders raced to contain additional hotspots across the Jerusalem hills.

Several hours later, the Israel Police confirmed that three arrests had been made, with suspects accused of starting or exacerbating the fires.

Images released by Israeli media suggest that at least one of the suspects had a lighter and scraps of paper seized from their car and was apprehended while trying to start a blaze.

Anti-Israel groups on social media have called on supporters to start fires throughout the day. One banner read: “Set fire to the earth beneath the settlers’ feet.” It featured a drawing of a man wearing a keffiyeh starting a fire near a field on a hill overlooking burning homes.

According to Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency relief service, 12 people had been treated for smoke-related injuries as of Wednesday afternoon. No fatalities were reported but emergency officials remained on high alert.

View of a massive wildfire near Latrun, April 30, 2025. Photo by Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** שריפה לטרון כבאים אש יער שריפת ענקFlash90

The Israel Defence Forces received a directive to assist in efforts to extinguish the fires, with military personnel and resources deployed to support civilian firefighting crews on the ground.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also requested that military helicopters support the evacuation of civilians trapped in threatened areas. He called on security services to treat any arsonists as domestic terrorists.

The Fire and Rescue Authority confirmed that preparations were underway to receive international firefighting assistance.

Greece and Cyprus have committed to sending aircraft to support Israel’s efforts, with Italy, Croatia and Bulgaria also expected to contribute in response to Israel’s formal request for help.

The latest fires come on the heels of two recent incidents: a blaze in the Ein Prat Nature Reserve earlier this week, which required a complex air evacuation of some 100 Orthodox teenagers on a school trip; and a fire near Moshav Ta’oz last week, which consumed nearly 2,500 acres before being brought under control after a 20-hour battle.

Officials are urging the public to avoid forested areas and to follow safety instructions as the spring heatwave persists.