Two Palestinians Arrested After Fire Ravages Samaria Community

The blaze raged for hours before firefighters brought it under control.

By United with Israel Staff

Two Palestinian suspects were arrested overnight on suspicion of involvement in the wildfire that devastated the Samaria community of Havat Gilad, forcing the evacuation of about 100 families and causing extensive damage.

The arrests were carried out in a joint operation involving the Judea and Samaria District Police’s Central Unit, Border Police undercover officers, the IDF, and other security personnel. The suspects were taken in for further questioning.

The blaze, which raged for hours before firefighters brought it under control, damaged more than 30 buildings, along with vehicles and infrastructure. Two firefighters were injured, one moderately and one lightly.

In a significant development, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan informed residents that Judea and Samaria District Police have officially determined that the circumstances of the fire provide “reasonable grounds to conclude that the damage was caused by an act of terrorism.”

The designation means residents will be eligible for compensation through Israel’s Property Tax Compensation Fund and will be recognized as victims of a terrorist attack.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir praised the arrests, saying, “Anyone who commits arson, harms residents, and seeks to spread terror should know that Israel’s security forces will pursue them, find them, and bring them to justice.”

Police said security forces “will continue to act decisively to locate and prosecute anyone involved in harming public safety or property.”

Immediately after the fire, Dagan said there was “very strong suspicion” that the blaze had been deliberately set and called on security forces to apprehend those responsible. The police’s latest determination appears to reinforce those suspicions.

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