Israel has appealed for international aid to battle massive forest fires sweeping through Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem, with one suspect detained for possible arson.

Fires broke out in five locations, prompting Israel to request firefighting assistance from Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Croatia, and Bulgaria. Talks are ongoing with other nations, including France, the UK, and Argentina.

Police arrested a 50-year-old man near Jerusalem carrying flammable materials. The Shin Bet intelligence agency is assisting in the investigation.

Meanwhile, flames reached the Yad Lashiryon memorial site, forcing evacuations. Fire chief Shmulik Friedman warned this may be Israel’s largest wildfire on record. Palestine’s offer to send firefighting aid has not yet received a response from Israel.