Police suspect some fires caused by arson, 3 arrested

Sources at the police command post at the fire scene suspect that some of the fires throughout the country may have been caused by arson. According to reports, senior police command is currently holding discussions on the matter.

Concerns are growing following the outbreak of fires, with the most notable still raging in the Jerusalem Hills area. Settlements near the fire line, including Mevo Horon, have been ordered to evacuate immediately. The Binyamin Council announced: "Residents who can evacuate independently are requested to do so now. The road to Latrun interchange is blocked. Exit through Modi'in." At this stage, there is no full control over the fire, and firefighting teams continue massive efforts to stop its spread.

In addition to these fires, which are relatively common for the season, fires are also occurring in several other locations such as Beit She'an and Afula in northern Israel, and in other areas. Meanwhile, three suspects have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in arson. They were taken for questioning, and investigators will now likely examine whether there is a connection between them and whether they acted as part of a coordinated effort.

Israel Police has permitted publication that a suspect, a resident of East Jerusalem in his 50s, was caught after a chase in an open field in Jerusalem with combustible and ignition materials on him. The police received a warning from a civilian who saw the suspect attempting to set fire to vegetation in the Jerusalem area.

The police reported that following the report, officers from the Oz station in the Jerusalem district were called to the scene and located the arson suspect. When the suspect identified the police, he began to flee and after a pursuit, he was arrested. A search of his possessions revealed a lighter, cotton wool, and additional combustible materials.