Israeli Authorities Arrest Two Palestinians Suspected of Arson in Givat Gilad Settlement Fire

Two Palestinian suspects were detained overnight on suspicion of involvement in the arson that caused a major fire in the Givat Gilad settlement on Saturday. The arrests were made during a joint operation involving the Central Unit of the Judea and Samaria District, the regional command center, Border Police undercover fighters, and the IDF's Samaria Brigade. The suspects were transferred to the Judea and Samaria District Investigation Unit for further questioning, with decisions pending on extending their detention based on investigative findings.

The fire inflicted severe damage on dozens of buildings and vehicles in the settlement, including the home of Yael Shevach, widow of Rabbi Raziel Shevach who was killed in a terror attack near the settlement in 2018. Following the arrests, the Givat Gilad settlement committee expressed gratitude to the security forces for their swift action and called on law enforcement to complete the investigation thoroughly and impose the harshest legal penalties on those responsible. The committee labeled the incident as an act of terror.

Residents of Givat Gilad are currently focused on recovery efforts, rebuilding, and supporting families who lost their homes. The committee also thanked the Israeli public for their support during this difficult time.