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Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu accompanied by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan visited Moshav Beit Meir after the disastrous fire during the night that destroyed homes and forestry in and around the community. The two ministers met with firemen, whom they showered with praise as the nation has watched them working tirelessly for the past days amid a wave of what is believed to be Arab arson terrorism.

Also present in the community were inspectors of the Environmental Affairs Ministry, with the team headed by Shuni Goldberger, the director of the Jerusalem District of the ministry.

They found traces of asbestos in at least six fire locations in the community, asbestos that was still burning of emitting smoke. This they explained presented a health hazard to persons in the vicinity.

The level of air pollution registered extremely high when the inspectors were evaluating the area.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)