IDF Clarifies Gilad Farm Fire Caused by Cigarette, Not Arson

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified on Friday that the fire at Gilad Farm last week was not a deliberate arson attack. According to the military's investigation, the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette butt rather than an intentional act to ignite the area. This statement was issued amid several recent incidents in the Samaria region, with the IDF emphasizing the need to distinguish the Gilad Farm fire from other events in the area.

The IDF stressed that evidence from the Gilad Farm fire does not indicate arson, contrasting it with a separate incident near Elon Moreh the previous day, which the military confirmed was started intentionally. The two cases occurred at different times and locations and have distinct circumstances.

Additionally, the IDF addressed a separate event earlier on Friday involving an uncoordinated tour during which Palestinians attacked Israeli visitors, resulting in two Israeli fatalities and three injuries. The military stated it possesses intelligence on this latest attack and will take action against those responsible. However, the main clarification focused on the Gilad Farm fire, firmly ruling out intentional arson and attributing the blaze to a cigarette butt thrown on the ground.