Israeli law enforcement officials have challenged Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s recent remarks regarding the number of people taken into custody over suspected arson in the Yerushalayim hills.
Contrary to Netanyahu’s claim, police say the figure he referenced does not reflect the actual number of arrests. According to official police sources, only three individuals have been apprehended in connection with the fires that erupted in the area in recent days.
Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu had addressed the issue during the International Bible Quiz, stating, “We have 18 people suspected of setting fires.” He also criticized Palestinian leaders, adding, “Our neighbors who claim they love this land – speak about burning the land. We love the land, we protect the land. I am sure we will be able to cope with this challenge as well.”
Law enforcement officials clarified that no such number of arrests had been made—neither 18 individuals taken into custody nor 18 suspects accused of incitement. They speculated that Netanyahu may have been referencing a wave of inciteful social media posts encouraging arson, although those involved in the online activity were not arrested.
Meanwhile, firefighting efforts continue in full force as 126 teams are engaged in battling the blaze throughout the Yerushalayim Hills. Fire crews from the Elad Fire Squadron are among those deployed to six critical locations: Burma Road, Eshtaol, Hakdoshim Forest, Canada Park, Sha’ar Hagai, Shoresh, Mevo’ot Neve Ilan, and Nataf.
Officials from Fire and Rescue Services emphasized that operations over the next several hours are vital. They aim to bring the fires under control before afternoon winds intensify and spread the flames further.
In coordination with directives from the IDF Chief of Staff, army personnel remain active in assisting police and fire responders in efforts to quell the blazes that began within the past day.
The Israel Air Force is also playing a key role, with aerial firefighting teams working in tandem with specialized fire suppression units. A dedicated command center has been set up by the Air Force to coordinate the airborne response in the affected regions.
{Matzav.com Israel}