
️What sparked the wildfires in Israel?
Israelis and Zionists claim that Palestinians are behind the fires in Jerusalem and across Israel. However, the reality is simple, as shown by today’s fire map of the entire region:
1. The extreme weather conditions.
2. The highly flammable European pine trees—non-native species that Israel planted extensively.
European pine trees—especially the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis)—are widely planted in Israel and are a major component of many of the forests.
➤ Aleppo pine is the most common tree in Israeli forests, heavily planted by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) since the early 20th century for reforestation.
➤ These pines are not native to most parts of Israel and were introduced on a large scale, often replacing native Mediterranean oak and maquis ecosystems.
➤ They are highly flammable, with resinous wood and dense needle litter, making them a major wildfire hazard, especially in hot, dry, and windy conditions.
➤ Forests like those in Jerusalem Hills, Mount Carmel, and Ben Shemen contain large stands of Aleppo pine, many of which have suffered repeated wildfire damage.
The elevated fire risk in Israel today, April 30, 2025, is due to a combination of extreme weather conditions:
➤ High temperatures: Temperatures have soared to between 36°C and 39°C (97°F to 102°F) in central and southern Israel, including the Shfela region and the Negev.
➤ Strong winds: Gusty winds are rapidly spreading fires, complicating containment efforts.
➤ Low humidity: Dry air increases flammability, making vegetation more susceptible to ignition.
These factors have led to massive wildfires near Jerusalem, prompting evacuations and a national emergency declaration.
Mike