Israeli fire and rescue services announces Jerusalem wildfires have been contained

Israel's fire and rescue services announced on Thursday it has managed to contain the wildfires that had broken out in forests surrounding Jerusalem.

The wildfires broke out on Wednesday, and it is estimated that approximately 5,000 acres (20,000 dunams) had been burned in what is being referred to as one of the largest wildfires in the country’s history.

Israel's meteorological service had issued a warning for several days that wildfires would break out on Wednesday.

The government has been criticised for not doing enough to prepare for wildfires.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Thursday that 18 individuals had been detained on suspicion of arson in connection with the ongoing wildfires. However, police sources speaking to Israeli media disputed the figure, stating that only three arrests had been made. Dozens of wildfires break out daily in open areas across Israel. Under the prevailing weather conditions and dry vegetation, the fires spread rapidly.

Right-wing politicians often try to blame Palestinians for the wildfires, but after investigations by Israeli authorities, previous allegations have been dropped, with negligence instead being deemed the cause.