Jerusalem wildfires spark debate over settler-planted non-native pine trees

As wildfires continue to ravage the hills around Jerusalem, burning nearly 5,000 acres and forcing evacuations, a heated discussion has emerged on social media platforms, attributing the fires’ intensity to the widespread planting of non-native European pine trees by 'Israeli' settlers.

Critics argue these trees, particularly Aleppo pines, are highly flammable and ill-suited to the Middle East’s hot, dry climate, exacerbating wildfire risks.

The claims, while resonating with environmental concerns, remain unconfirmed by official fire investigations, which are still ongoing.

The fires, which broke out on April 30, 2025, along the Jerusalem, have been described as some of the worst in 'Israel’s' history, prompting a national emergency declaration by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On X, users have pointed to the ecological impact of European pine trees, planted extensively by 'Israeli' settlers, as a significant contributor to the fires’ severity.

One user posted, “Jerusalem wildfires are a direct result of settler-colonialism. When European Jews occupied the area, they europeanised its landscape by importing and planting European pine trees on top of the ruins of destroyed villages. These trees can’t sustain MidEast heat hence fires.” 

Jerusalem wildfires are a direct result of settler-colonialism. When European Jews occupied the area, they europeanised its landscape by importing and planting European pine trees on top of the ruins of destroyed villages. These trees can't sustain MidEast heat hence fires. https://t.co/SyuPhTTscd

— DisparatePanda (@DisparatePanda) April 30, 2025

In his post, Firas stated that "Israeli Jewish settlers import and plant European pine trees, which are highly flammable and prone to wildfires, and then blame Palestinians when they catch fire."

He was responding to another post by an 'Israeli' who claimed a Palestinian individual caused the blaze.

Israeli Jewish settlers import and plant European pine trees that have ridiculously high rates of wildfires and then blame Palestinians so when they catch fire. https://t.co/X0cikI6JPh. pic.twitter.com/RV6VsICefc

— Firas (@FirasPalestine) April 30, 2025

In another post, Ehab Jabareen, an expert in Israeli affairs, said the Israeli Occupation blamed Palestinians for its failure to contain the fire in eastern occupied Jerusalem. He added that the 'Israeli' planted unsuitable trees to erase signs of the Nakba, and that "Israeli" settlers were caught setting fire to Palestinian property.

ع En
לא יודע מה באמת עומד מאחורי גל השריפות,
אבל זה נראה שוב שהפרופגנדה הישראלית החליטה להטיל את הכשלונות שלה על הצד הפלסטיני.

והנה כמה עובדות:
זה קק״ל שהחליט לנטוע עצים לא מותאמים לאקלים, רק כדי להעלים את העקבות של הנכבה.

זה נתניהו שהעדיף להשקיע מליונים במיטה המעופפת…

— Ehab Jabareen ايهاب جبارين (@JabareenEhab) April 30, 2025

The unresolved cause has fueled polarized arguments. Some, citing Haaretz, point to settler arson, reflecting broader tensions over land rights and Palestinian displacement. Others highlight ecological mismanagement, with non-native pines as a symbol of colonial legacies.

Meanwhile, officials emphasize climate change, urging caution until investigations conclude.