Arab rioters started a fire in the community of Havat Gilad on Saturday, exploiting strong winds, according to reports from the community. The entire community was evacuated to Yitzhar and nearby settlements. Hundreds of volunteers helped extinguish the blaze. No physical injuries were reported, but dozens of families lost their homes and businesses, with damage estimated in the tens of millions of shekels. An investigation is underway.
The community of Havat Gilad has confirmed that the fire that ravaged the settlement on Saturday was an arson attack by Arab rioters, who exploited strong winds during Shabbat to ignite multiple points near the community. The entire settlement was evacuated to Yitzhar and nearby settlements. Hundreds of volunteers helped extinguish the blaze, and no physical injuries were reported, but the damage is extensive: dozens of families lost their homes and businesses, with losses estimated in the tens of millions of shekels.
This confirmation follows a rapid sequence of reports throughout the day. At 15:27 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the fire had damaged 13 homes, with 45 firefighting crews and eight aircraft deployed. Shortly after, two firefighters were reported wounded, and a special investigation team with the IDF was established on suspicion of arson. By 19:56 Jerusalem, the investigation team's formation was confirmed by N12. At 21:07 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the fire had spread to Havat Gilad from the Kedumim area, destroying at least 13 homes, a garage, and a warehouse. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, stated at 15:27 Jerusalem that approximately 30 homes and businesses were destroyed.
This is the latest in a series of arson attacks in the area this summer, as The Zioneer has reported. On June 10, Arab arsonists set a fire near Tayibe; on June 30, fires were reported near Yitzhar and Itamar, all attributed to Arab rioters. The community of Havat Gilad has vowed to rebuild, emphasizing resilience.
An investigation is underway, but no perpetrators have been named or arrested. The full scope of the damage and the number of families affected continues to be assessed.
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