Deputy Defense Minister Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan told Arutz Sheva this morning that he believes the fires plaguing Israel in recent days are not the result of the weather alone. Israel has been going through a spate of strong, dry winds which are perfect for spreading fires from brush or wooded areas through carelessness or arson. The large number of fires indicates a coordinated plan of arson meant to take advantage of the dry weather conditions.
“Firefighters indicated that at least some of the fires were ignited [by people],” Ben-Dahan said. “There is no doubt that this is terror activity whose aim is to damage the State of Israel and the beautiful landscapes that it is building. They think that, in this fashion, they will scare us.”
“This terror will not scare us,” Ben-Dahan said. “I have no doubt that we’re talking about terror. They’re lighting fires next to Jewish communities which are now in danger. The authorities need to punish those who are caught accordingly - for endangering lives.”
Hebrew video: