Israeli Forces Arrest Two Palestinians Suspected of Involvement in West Bank Settlement Fire

Israeli Border Police and IDF soldiers arrested two Palestinian suspects overnight between Sunday and Monday on suspicion of involvement in a fire that broke out over the weekend in the West Bank settlement of Givat Gilad. The suspects were transferred for interrogation by the Central Unit of the Israeli Police. Initial police statements indicated suspicion of arson, but were later clarified to suspicion of causing the fire. Authorities will decide whether to extend the suspects' detention after questioning.

The fire erupted on Saturday, destroying 13 homes and prompting the evacuation of all residents from the settlement. Early assessments by security forces suggested the fire started from a discarded cigarette, but the arrests have shifted the focus to suspected deliberate arson. The Fire and Rescue Services have established a special investigation team to determine the fire's cause. Residents of Givat Gilad had suspected from the outset that the fire was intentionally set.

Local resident Oren Zar described how, amid strong winds on Saturday, "Arab rioters" ignited multiple fires near Givat Gilad, causing rapid spread and forcing the evacuation of the entire community to nearby settlements. Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported. The settlement committee expressed gratitude to security forces for the swift arrests and called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment, labeling the incident as terrorism. The community is now focused on recovery, rebuilding, and supporting families who lost their homes, while thanking the Israeli public for their support.