Palestinian Arsonist Sets Four Fires in West Bank, Flees Toward Sinjil Village

A Palestinian assailant was recorded setting four separate fires on Ridge 917, which overlooks Highway 60 between the West Bank settlements of Ofra and Shiloh in the Binyamin region. After igniting the fires, the suspect fled toward the nearby village of Sinjil. Large security forces were deployed to the area and launched extensive searches to locate the individual. Meanwhile, dozens of local residents arrived to assist firefighting efforts as the flames spread to grazing lands near Jewish farms in the vicinity. Authorities reported that the situation was brought under control.

Separately, firefighters from the Judea and Samaria district continued battling a large blaze that erupted the previous day at the Gilad farms. According to the Fire and Rescue Services, 24 homes were damaged in that fire, with 13 completely destroyed, along with a wood storage facility. The fire reportedly began near the Mitzpe Yishai neighborhood in Kadumim and rapidly spread to Gilad farms due to strong winds. The firefighting operation involved 41 firefighting teams, 10 firefighting aircraft, an Israeli police helicopter, IDF forces, engineering equipment, and water tankers.

Police investigations into the massive fire suggest it was caused by a discarded cigarette butt found at the scene, with no evidence of other incendiary materials. The ongoing security and firefighting efforts highlight the volatile situation in the region amid rising tensions and repeated arson attacks.