ON FIRE: Suspects Detained For Arson as 60,000 Evacuated From Haifa

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israel Police have announced this afternoon that they have a number of suspects in custody in connection with the fires that are plaguing Israel on charges of arson.

Police Chief Roni Alsheich said that not all blazes are connected to arson.

Meanwhile, up to 60,000 people have been evacuated from Haifa and its surrounding areas

Other blazes being fought are wreaking havoc near the Rishonim junction, near Rishon Lezion, in Modi’in, near Neve Ilan, in Nataf, and elsewhere.

This morning, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan told Army Radio that 50% of the current fires are arson-related, while Haifa firefighter Shimon Ben Ner said that arsonists tried to set ablaze the fire department station in Haifa.

{Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}