Raging wildfires sweeping across central Israel have deepened the country’s political crisis, as pro-government figures baselessly accuse left-wing activists of starting the blazes. Since early Wednesday, flames have engulfed forests, towns, and communities, prompting the evacuation of at least ten locations, according to Israeli police. The Israeli authorities were forced to request international assistance, receiving help from countries such as Greece, Croatia, Italy, and the Greek Cypriot Administration. Medical officials reported that at least 20 individuals were treated for injuries, most of them suffering from smoke inhalation.

The wildfires have wreaked havoc on large swathes of forested land, with the Jewish National Fund estimating that approximately 11,700 dunams (2,891 acres) have been destroyed in the Jerusalem hills, including the near-total devastation of Canada Park near Latrun. Other significant natural sites, such as Eshtaol Forest, Anava Park, and Shoresh Forest, have also suffered severe damage. The fires disrupted major infrastructure, including the closure of Route 1, the primary highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, forcing panicked residents to abandon their vehicles and flee on foot. A massive response involving 163 firefighting teams, dozens of ATVs, and aircraft has been launched to contain the blazes.

Meanwhile, the wildfires have ignited a fresh wave of political controversy. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir deployed 14,000 security personnel amid unproven suspicions of arson. While the Shin Bet security agency has joined the investigation, officials maintain that extreme heat and strong winds are the most likely causes. Nevertheless, figures like Yair Netanyahu, son of the Prime Minister, have used social media to suggest, without evidence, that leftist activists are behind the fires, linking them to attempts to disrupt Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. His comments underscore the deepening rift between government and opposition forces, fuelled further by disagreements over the Gaza conflict and the state’s refusal to negotiate for the release of Israeli captives. Critics, including former officials, have also pointed fingers at Ben-Gvir for failing to adequately prepare for wildfire emergencies, citing his past rejection of proposals to purchase firefighting helicopters.