Israeli Police Correct Statement on Gilad Farm Fire Suspects, Clarify Charges

The Israeli police issued a correction regarding their earlier announcement about the arrest of two Arab suspects linked to the massive fire at Gilad Farm over the past weekend. Initially, the police statement said the suspects were involved in arson, but the clarification states it was a "typo" and the suspects are charged with "causing a fire," not deliberate arson.

The two suspects were detained and transferred for further investigation at the Judea and Samaria district police station. The original police report had indicated that Border Police and IDF forces arrested the suspects on suspicion of setting the fire, but the updated statement emphasizes the distinction in charges.

The fire at Gilad Farm caused extensive damage, destroying 26 homes and severely damaging four local businesses. Five people were injured, including four firefighters who were hurt while protecting residents and one civilian with minor injuries. The fire was reportedly started by assailants from the nearby village of Jit, who ignited four separate fire points simultaneously to maximize destruction and endanger lives.

Firefighters, security forces, and local volunteers battled the blaze for hours. Initial police assessments had suggested the fire was caused by a cigarette butt, but the arrests and investigation point to a deliberate act of causing the fire. The police continue to investigate the incident and the suspects' involvement.