Samaria Council Head Calls for Terror Recognition and Rapid Rebuilding After Gilad Farm Fire

Two days after a massive fire devastated the Gilad Farm settlement in the West Bank, Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, visited the site to assess the damage and meet with affected families. The fire left approximately 113 residents homeless, with nearly 30 families losing their homes and critical infrastructure such as electricity and water severely damaged. Dagan described the fire as quickly escalating into a large-scale blaze, prompting the evacuation of about 110 families. Hundreds of firefighters, police, IDF soldiers, volunteers, and residents fought the flames for hours, with some risking their lives and suffering from smoke inhalation. Despite the extensive destruction, no casualties were reported.

During his visit, Dagan recounted comforting families who lost their homes, emphasizing resilience by saying, "No nobleman in the world can defeat those sons." He urged the Israeli government to officially recognize the fire as an act of terrorism, specifically labeling it a "nationalistic arson attack," and to establish a dedicated task force to combat such incidents. Two suspects, reportedly relatives of individuals linked to terrorism, have been arrested in connection with the arson, reinforcing the nationalistic motive.

Dagan called on the government to lead the settlement's rehabilitation efforts by providing necessary resources and launching a comprehensive rebuilding plan. He praised the widespread public support and the determination of residents to return and rebuild stronger. "Our victory will be to build Gilad Farm bigger, stronger, with more families, larger homes, and better infrastructure," he said, urging immediate government action to deploy construction equipment and workers to the site.