Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan announced that the Israel Police have recognized the wildfire that destroyed Havat Gilad as a hostile act, enabling residents to file for compensation as victims of hostile action. Dagan said the community will rebuild "bigger and wider."
Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan confirmed Monday evening that the Israel Police have officially recognized the wildfire that destroyed Havat Gilad as a hostile act, enabling residents to file for state compensation. Dagan said the community would rebuild "bigger and wider." The confirmation comes hours after earlier reports that the state had cleared the path for compensation, and follows a day of rapid developments.
Earlier Monday, at 10:15 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported the arrest of two Arab suspects on suspicion of arson. Within the same hour, Dagan called on the government to rebuild the community, and the Judea and Samaria police district recognized the arson as a hostile act. A subsequent report indicated the state had officially cleared the way for compensation. The progression from arrests to official recognition unfolded within the morning hours.
Background reports from the weekend placed the destruction in context: On Sunday, at 20:59 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that 30 buildings were destroyed and five people lightly injured, with arson on nationalist grounds suspected. Earlier Sunday, at 15:31, Dagan stated the goal of rebuilding Havat Gilad as a larger settlement. A fundraising campaign for a Givati reservist and his pregnant wife who lost their home and business was reported at 11:52 Sunday. The Zioneer also reported Monday at 18:17 that Israeli authorities had reportedly recognized the fire as a hostile act, a report now confirmed by Dagan.
The investigation into the arson remains ongoing; no further details on the suspects or their motives have been released since the initial arrests.
5 developments
- DevelopingFundraising campaign launched for Givati reservist Yishai, wife Tsofia after Havat Gilad fire
- DevelopingHavat Gilad wildfire: 30 buildings destroyed, 5 injured; arson suspected
- DevelopingSamaria council head Yossi Dagan: Goal is to rebuild Havat Gilad as a larger settlement after fire
- DevelopingSmotrich visits fire-hit Havat Gilad, orders immediate property tax review
Source and signal
- Internal intake