Israel’s National Fire and Rescue Authority filed a civil lawsuit today (Wednesday) seeking ₪191,496 (~$52,000) from a terrorist who pleaded guilty and was convicted of an arson terror attack. According to the complaint filed through the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office, the terrorist set a forest fire on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem in June 2024, causing heavy damage.
1+Of the total amount claimed, ₪55,538 covers firefighting expenses and direct damages to fire equipment. According to the incident investigation, the arson sparked a large forest fire in an open area, endangered lives, and required deploying major firefighting forces and significant operational resources for many hours.
Jerusalem District Fire Commander Chief Superintendent Shmulik Friedman stressed the severity of the act: “Arson is not a prank—it’s a life-threatening crime. Anyone who chooses to set a fire endangers civilians, emergency forces, and public resources.” He added that “cooperation with the State Attorney’s Office sends a clear message: we will pursue arsonists to the full extent of the law, both criminally and financially.”
1+National Fire and Rescue Authority officials say the legal move is part of a clear policy of maximum enforcement and increased deterrence. Alongside the criminal proceedings already conducted against the terrorist that ended in his conviction, the state is now also acting on the civil front to recover public funds spent responding to the terror incident.