Suspected Arson Destroys Newly Opened Ashkelon Restaurant and Nearby Businesses

The recently opened restaurant The Tree in Ashkelon, which had been operating for only about a month, was completely destroyed by a fire during the night between Monday and Tuesday. The blaze broke out around 3:30 a.m. on HaNasi Street in the Afridar neighborhood and quickly spread to several adjacent businesses, causing extensive damage. Firefighters arrived to find a large fire centered in the restaurant and called for reinforcements from nearby stations. They worked for hours to contain the flames and prevent further spread, eventually achieving full control after dismantling parts of the building's roof and using thermal cameras to detect hidden hotspots.

No injuries were reported in the incident. Police from the Ashkelon station and forensic investigators began collecting evidence at the scene amid suspicions that the fire was deliberately set. A fire investigator from the Fire and Rescue Services also joined the ongoing investigation. The cause remains under examination as authorities continue their inquiry into the suspected arson.

The fire caused severe damage not only to The Tree but also to other businesses in the commercial complex, marking a significant loss shortly after the restaurant's opening. The investigation aims to determine the circumstances behind the fire and identify any responsible parties.