Repeated fires in Patagonia spark controversy over 'Israeli' tourists

Massive wildfires in South America, particularly in the strategic Patagonia region, have revived longstanding concerns about the role of some 'Israeli' tourists in these disasters.

Activists in Argentina and Chile have revisited years of news reports documenting repeated incidents allegedly involving former 'Israeli' military personnel in igniting destructive fires.

Read more: 'Israeli' tourists allegedly behind large fires in Argentina

A Pattern of Incidents

Those calling for international scrutiny point to a history of arrests and official accusations:

• 2011: An 'Israeli' tourist was arrested after a major fire broke out in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia.
• 2012: Chilean authorities accused another 'Israeli' tourist of sparking fires that destroyed thousands of hectares.
• 2014: A group of 'Israelis' was expelled from a national park after being caught setting fires in restricted areas.
• 2017: An 'Israeli' tourist was held responsible for fires sweeping across southern Chile.

The repeated nature of these incidents has fueled fears and calls for tighter monitoring of visitors in vulnerable wilderness areas.

Historical Context: The Andinia Plan

Concerns go beyond individual incidents. Many locals refer to the so-called “Andinia Plan,” a decades-old theory suggesting efforts to establish a “second Jewish state” in southern Argentina and Chile. Supporters of the theory argue that fires in Patagonia are deliberate, aimed at:

• Destroying vegetation to force landowners to sell property cheaply.
• Enabling settlement by companies or groups purchasing burned land.
• Reshaping remote regions to accommodate former 'Israeli' soldiers under the guise of “long-term tourism.”

Public and Official Reaction

In both Argentina and Chile, campaigns are growing to impose stricter regulations on 'Israeli' tourists, particularly those who spend extended periods in remote areas after completing military service.

While some dismiss these fears as conspiracy theories, the repeated, well-documented incidents have left local communities on alert, determined to protect their lands from what they perceive as a potential “silent invasion.”