Dear A.,

On Memorial Day, as Israelis mourned the country's fallen soldiers and victims of terror and prepared to celebrate the country's 77th Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, this evening, fires broke out around Jerusalem, which was likely caused by arson.

"These fires are not random," Israel's Embassy in the U.S. said on social media. "They are being encouraged and celebrated by terrorist-supporting accounts online."

At least one arson suspect has been arrested, as Israeli law enforcement continues to probe the origin of the fires.

The Fire and Rescue Service’s Jerusalem District commander said the fires, being spread by strong winds and dry conditions, "may be the largest there has ever been in this country." Countries around the world are lending support to help fight the blazes.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said, "Praying for the safety of the first responders, residents, and all others affected by the large forest fires once again threatening the outskirts of Jerusalem. The Embassy has offered assistance and we stand ready to provide aid as needed."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said, "Israel is fortunate to have true friends who stand by her in times of need. We also thank all those who are offering help."

Meanwhile, the Israeli military is using American-made heavy transport planes — purchased using American security assistance — to drop fire retardant throughout Jerusalem.

Major Israeli Independence Day ceremonies — including the annual torch-lighting ceremony — were cancelled due to the fires, and a pre-recorded rehearsal was broadcast instead.

Amid the immense, ongoing and multi-faceted challenges facing our ally, today remains an important moment to honor and celebrate the miracle that is the rebirth of the Jewish state in the land of Israel.

Members of Congress wish Israel a happy Independence Day

Dozens of members of Congress from both parties sent in videos wishing Israel a happy Independence Day and congratulating Israel on this important milestone. Watch their messages below:

Senator Cotton speaks out ahead of next round of Iran negotiations Saturday

His statement comes ahead of the next round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran expected to take place in Rome on Saturday, again mediated by Oman.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he expects to meet on Friday with representatives of France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

AIPAC supports time-bound talks to achieve the Trump administration’s stated goal of verifiably and permanently dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. To be effective, these talks must continue to be coupled with the implementation of maximum pressure and a credible threat of military force.

Additional F-35 fighter jets arrive in Israel 

Three new American-made F-35I fighter jets arrived in Israel last week, bringing Israel's number of F-35s to 45. 

Israel has ordered 75 F-35s in total.

IDF acts to protect Syrian Druze

After more than a dozen people were killed in a majority Druze town near Damascus yesterday, the IDF carried out a drone strike today targeting "a gathering of an extremist group that was preparing to continue its attack on the Druze population," Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz said.

"Israel will not allow harm to the Druze community in Syria, out of a deep commitment to our Druze brothers in Israel," they added.

The IDF said the drone strike targeted operatives "after they had attacked Druze civilians."

Later in the day, three Syrian Druze civilians injured in the sectarian violence in the country were evacuated by the IDF to a hospital in Israel.

Netanyahu to visit Azerbaijan

Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly planning to travel to Azerbaijan next week to strengthen ties with the Shi'ite Muslim-majority country.

Netanyahu is set to meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and is scheduled to spend Shabbat in Baku.

Continue to follow AIPAC on social media for the latest updates.

Jake Braunstein
Director of Policy Communications