Investigation Links Massive Gilad Farm Fire to Discarded Cigarette, Shin Bet Hands Over Case to Police

Authorities investigating the massive fire at Gilad Farm believe it was caused by a cigarette thrown from a vehicle. Security cameras operated by the IDF and Shin Bet captured the initial moments of the fire and recorded vehicles passing on Highway 55 at the time. Although the exact moment the cigarette was discarded was not filmed, investigators are confident the footage will help identify the individual responsible. Officials suspect the vehicle involved was Palestinian, given the low volume of Israeli traffic on the road during the Saturday incident.

Police found a cigarette butt at the fire's origin point and no other materials that could indicate deliberate arson. Shin Bet, initially involved in the investigation, has now transferred full responsibility to the Israeli police, as the current assessment suggests the fire was not intentionally set for nationalist reasons. However, security sources have not completely ruled out this possibility.

The fire severely damaged Gilad Farm, destroying 13 of the 29 affected buildings and forcing the evacuation of 110 families from their homes. Authorities continue to pursue leads to identify and apprehend the suspect who discarded the cigarette, which is believed to have ignited the blaze.