Police arrested three suspects in arson and attempted arson in the Jerusalem area on Wednesday afternoon. The three were arrested after incitement posters calling for more fires were distributed on Arab networks.
Incitement posters call for setting fire to forests near settlements. One reads: "Let the settlers be ashes under your feet," and others: "Ignite rage and flames of revenge in their homes and vehicles.".
One of the suspects, a resident of the Umm Tuba neighborhood in East Jerusalem, in his 50s, was arrested after attempting to set fire to an open field in the south of the city - this after the police hotline received a report from a civilian that she had identified a man attempting to set fire to an area of vegetation in the south of Jerusalem. The suspect tried to escape from the police and was arrested after a chase.
A search of his belongings revealed a lighter, cotton wool, and other flammable materials. He was taken to a police station for questioning.
The emergency squads also managed to capture suspects in two additional arson attacks – one in Beit Keshet in the north, and the other in Rosh HaAyin.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir said: "The arsonists should be treated as arch-terrorists for all intents and purposes who tried to murder thousands of civilians, and accordingly, they should be brought to justice in its full severity.".
""This is further evidence of the critical need to pass the death penalty for terrorists law, which must apply to those who try to burn thousands of civilians.".
""In any case, the police will continue their efforts to capture all those involved in the arson terror, and the incitement team will continue to locate the instigators and rioters.".
Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri stated this evening: "Those who set fires during war are terrorists in every sense of the word. I call on the Prime Minister to instruct the IDF to eliminate from the air every terrorist identified as a fire-starter. Whoever sets a fire during a conflict and war – his blood is on his head. This is a ticking bomb, just like whoever shoots. Whoever comes to kill you – hurry up and kill him.".
A police spokeswoman announced that following a joint situation assessment conducted by the Minister of National Security and the Commissioner, it was decided to deploy extensive police forces throughout the country due to fears of arson.
Alongside them, 14,000 members of emergency squads will also be activated, with the aim of preventing serious arson incidents. It was also reported that the Israel Police and the Air Force Unit will deploy extensive observation means, with the aim of enabling a rapid response by the fire forces to any further arson attempts.
Security personnel in communities surrounding Jerusalem and in the Judean countryside are concerned about deliberate arson attacks during the quiet hours of the night. All agencies have been instructed to be prepared and respond to such an eventuality.
Forecaster Danny Rupp commented on Channel 14's fires and estimated that there was a high probability that these were intentional arsons: "High heat alone does not start a fire - it could be human error, but it is usually terrorism.".
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