According to security officials cited by journalist Doron Kadosh, the fire that destroyed homes in Havat Gilad was not a deliberate nationalist arson. The Shin Bet has concluded its involvement in the case, exiting the investigation.
The latest assessment, reported by journalist Doron Kadosh citing security officials, confirms that the fire in Havat Gilad was not a deliberate nationalist arson. The Shin Bet has withdrawn from the investigation. The assessment aligns with the findings of the investigation earlier reported by The Zioneer.
The Zioneer reported on Saturday, July 18, at 16:21 Jerusalem time that investigators determined a discarded cigarette likely caused the fire, which destroyed 13 homes and damaged 24. The Shin Bet had already exited the case, and police arrested three youths on suspicion of a revenge attack. Earlier Saturday reports had described the event as an arson attack, but the investigation later ruled out a nationalist motive.
As The Zioneer reported on Sunday, experts had indicated that the fires in Judea and Samaria were not arson, with one case likely from a discarded cigarette.
The investigation continues under police jurisdiction. No further details on the youths' arrest have been released.
15 developments
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- DevelopingShin Bet Jewish Division opens probe into Haredi extremist protesters
- DevelopingSecurity sources: Shin Bet opinion only addressed threat level, not security duration; committee to convene later
Source and signal
- Internal intake