Police Determine Electrical Short Caused Fire in West Bank Home, Reject Arson Claims

A fire that broke out overnight in a residential building near the West Bank village of Beit Ummar was caused by an electrical short circuit, according to police and fire investigators. This conclusion contradicts local residents' claims that Israelis deliberately set the building on fire. The incident, reported early in the morning to the Judea and Samaria District police, prompted a response from Hebron police officers, a forensic identification investigator, and fire investigators from the Civil Defense in the West Bank. The investigation took place under IDF security due to the location's sensitivity. Authorities found no traces of accelerants at the scene, further supporting the electrical fault theory. No injuries were reported in the fire. Police stated that the investigation is ongoing despite the current findings.