Fire breaks out near Ness Ziona railway tracks, disrupting trains across central, southern Israel

Firefighters are battling a brush fire near train tracks in Ness Ziona, prompting the temporary suspension of train services. The blaze has disrupted rail movement between Lod, Rehovot, and Ashkelon, as well as between Lod and Rishon Lezion stations. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority is working in coordination with Israel Railways to contain the fire and safeguard the track infrastructure.

This incident is the fourth fire to erupt in the region within the past two days. On Saturday, three other fires spread rapidly in the West Bank and northern Israel. These earlier blazes caused significant damage, setting fire to about a dozen homes and damaging several vehicles, including a fire truck.

One of the Saturday fires occurred at Gilad Farm in the West Bank, leading to the evacuation of residents and temporary road closures. Two firefighters sustained moderate and light injuries, and several residents required treatment for smoke inhalation. In northern Israel, fires broke out in the Jezreel Valley, the village of Vradim, and near Shibli on Mount Tabor. All these fires were eventually contained.

Authorities are investigating the possibility of arson in the Jezreel Valley fire, indicating a potential pattern of deliberate ignition. The series of fires highlights ongoing challenges with fire containment and public safety in the region, particularly during dry and windy conditions.