Hamas Urges Arson as Wildfires Rage Across Israel

Wildfires are raging across Israel, particularly near Jerusalem and throughout the country, resulting in evacuations, road closures, and the destruction of dozens of homes. While extreme heat and winds have contributed to the spread of these fires, Israeli officials are investigating multiple incidents of suspected arson, with several arrests already made. Social media posts affiliated with Hamas and other Palestinian channels have openly called for Palestinians to set fires to forests, groves, settler homes, and vehicles as acts of revenge, with incitement widely circulated online. Authorities have not yet definitively determined the cause of all fires, but the coordinated nature and timing, along with incitement on social media, have led to strong suspicions of terrorism-related arson. International assistance, including firefighting planes from Italy and Croatia, has been requested to help control the infernos. Despite the widespread damage and over a dozen injuries, no fatalities have been reported so far.