Wildfires rage across Israel for third consecutive day Russia promises firefighting planes

(ANSAmed) - Tel Aviv, November 24 - Major wildfires continued to rage across parts of Israel for the third consecutive day on Thursday, fuelled by prolonged drought and strong winds. The areas worst afected were around Jerusalem, in the north and in the centre near Modiin.



However, wildfires were also reported in the West Bank, with the situation near the Jewish settlement of Talmon said to be critical. Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Italy and Turkey have already answered Premier Benjamin Netanyahu's appeal for firefighting planes and Russia has also pledged two aircraft.



Meanwhile, Israeli media report growing suspicions among security forces that many of the fires - up to 50% according to Security Minister Gilad Erdan - may have been started deliberately. The hashtag 'Israel is burning' has gone viral on social media in the Arab world, with Dubai security chief Dhahi Khalfan Tamim hailing the wildfires.



"Israel has banned muezzins and has been attacked by fire.



Blessed be to God," he wrote.



Tamim led investigations into the assassination of the founder and commander of the Al Qassam brigades, Hamas' military wing, Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh in a hotel in the emirate that was attributed to Israel. (ANSAmed)