Israel declares ‘national emergency’ as fires rage following Hamas call for Muslims to ‘ignite anything possible’

Image: Jihad Watch

Terrorism is suspected in the recent wave of large fires that have prompted a national emergency in parts of Israel, according to an unnamed Israeli security source speaking to The Media Line. The fires began on Tuesday, coinciding with the country’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism and the lead-up to its 77th Independence Day celebrations.

The source confirmed that several arrests have been made in connection with the suspected arson attacks, though they refrained from sharing further details due to the ongoing investigation's sensitive nature.

The fires, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions, have forced evacuations in several communities. Emergency teams are working to control the blazes, which have already caused extensive damage to property and led to road closures. No fatalities have been reported so far, but officials have warned that the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.

“This is being treated as a national emergency,” the source stated, noting evidence suggesting that the fires were intentionally set in a coordinated fashion. The timing—occurring on a national day of mourning followed by Independence Day celebrations—has raised concerns that the attacks were intended to create fear and disrupt national morale.

On Wednesday, Hamas posted a message on Telegram urging Palestinians to “burn whatever you can of groves, forests, and settler homes.”

“Youth of the West Bank, youth of Jerusalem, and those inside Israel, set their cars ablaze… Gaza awaits the revenge of the free,” the terrorist group wrote.

Earlier, the Jenin News Network Telegram channel also called on Palestinians to “burn the groves near the settlements” in a Wednesday post.

As the wildfires rage across central Israel, the channel shared an image of a masked individual setting a field alight, with a town burning in the background. The post included the text “Settlers’ homes will be ashes under the feet of the revolutionaries” and the hashtag “Burn settlers’ houses.”

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)