Israeli police have requested assistance from the Shin Bet security agency in the investigation of the massive wildfire in Samaria, amid reported difficulties. Two suspects who were arrested have been released, and police are now seeking Shin Bet support to advance the probe, according to reports.
Israeli police have requested assistance from the Shin Bet security agency in the investigation of the massive wildfire in Samaria, citing reported difficulties in the probe. The request comes after a day of developments regarding two Palestinian suspects who were arrested in connection with the blaze and subsequently released from custody on Thursday.
Earlier Thursday, at 10:42 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported the release of the two suspects. The story evolved rapidly: initial reports indicated the military court released them under restrictive conditions (versions 1, 3, 5), while later updates clarified that police consented to the release after new findings (version 6). Police also stated that suspicion against the suspects had weakened (version 2) and that there was a lack of conclusive evidence linking them to the cigarette that ignited the fire (version 4). Authorities are now examining footage of about 150 vehicles that passed through the area in the relevant timeframe.
The Zioneer has tracked the investigation throughout the day, reporting on the release and the shifting reasons behind it. The cause of the fire, which devastated large areas of forest and farmland in Samaria, remains under investigation. The specific difficulties that prompted the request for Shin Bet assistance have not been detailed.
It remains unclear what precisely led to the decision to seek Shin Bet support, and whether additional suspects are being pursued. The investigation continues, with authorities analyzing vehicle movements and awaiting further findings.
7 developments
- StrongExclusive: Border Police arrest two PA police officers for Samaria wildfire
- StrongThe Zioneer: Police give conflicting accounts of Samaria fire
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- StrongShin Bet chief requests investigation into leak allegations to journalists after ministers' demand
Source and signal
- Internal intake