Finance Minister Smotrich Orders Immediate Damage Assessment After Major Fire in West Bank's Gilead Farm

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited Gilead Farm on Saturday evening following a massive fire that destroyed 13 homes and forced the evacuation of the entire settlement. During a situation assessment with security officials including Brigadier General Kobi Heller, Samaria District Commander Moshe Pinchi, and local leaders such as Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Smotrich instructed the Israel Land Authority to immediately dispatch appraisers to document the damage for compensation purposes. He also emphasized the need to provide urgent assistance to affected families and to explore permanent solutions for rebuilding.

Yossi Dagan expressed gratitude to Smotrich for his support and described the fire as a severe event likely caused by arson, with around 30 buildings and several businesses completely destroyed along with critical infrastructure. Moshe Chachmon, chairman of the Gilead Farm settlement, called the fire part of a broader wave of terror arson attacks and thanked all responders and volunteers aiding recovery efforts.

Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot, chair of the Foreign and Security Subcommittee for Judea and Samaria, highlighted the settlers' role as pioneers defending Israel and demanded a thorough investigation by police and Shin Bet to identify the fire's origins. The government and local authorities are committed to supporting the community’s rehabilitation and ensuring the settlement’s growth as a security buffer for Israel.