Greek Authorities Arrest Military-Aged Israeli ‘Tourist’ for Arson as Wildfires Rage Out of Control

A 35-year-old Israeli “tourist” was arrested in Crete on Saturday on suspicion of igniting a wildfire despite being warned that against lighting any kind of fire in the area due to the extremely high fire risk.

The blaze erupted at 7:10 p.m. on Friday near the village of Sellia, close to the resort town of Plakias in southern Rethymno, according to Greek media reports.

Findings from the Greek Fire Service’s arson investigation unit reportedly indicated that the fire began in the yard of the vacation villa where a group of Israeli citizens were staying. They are suspected of lighting a barbecue despite strong winds and serious fire warnings.

The Saudi Gazette reports the villa owner warned the guests when they arrived that using a barbecue was completely prohibited in the area due to the high fire risk. He said he also provided the instructions in writing.

The tourists allegedly went ahead with using the grill. Sparks carried by strong winds are believed to have ignited dry vegetation, causing the fire to spread rapidly.

In January, Argentine authorities launched a nationwide manhunt for two Israeli individuals—widely described across social media as active or former IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers posing as tourists—who were caught on video deliberately setting multiple fires in a protected forest region of Patagonia.

This isn’t the first time Israeli “tourists” have been linked to suspicious wildfire activity in the region.

Similar accusations surfaced in neighboring Chile in the past, and the pattern has many observers connecting the dots to a broader agenda.

Reports link the fires to efforts to devalue land for cheap acquisition, part of alleged long-term plans to secure strategic territories in Patagonia—home to vast freshwater resources, minerals, and geopolitical importance.