Investigation Reveals Palestinian Woman Falsely Accused Settlers of Arson in West Bank Fire

Last Thursday, police in the Hebron district responded to a fire at a Palestinian home near the village of Amra, initially reported by the residents as an arson attack by settlers using a Molotov cocktail. However, early investigations by fire and forensic experts from the Judea and Samaria police district determined the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, with no evidence supporting claims of deliberate ignition.

The family, including a 14-year-old son, was taken to the Hebron police station for questioning. During the initial investigation, police noted significant contradictions in their testimonies. The son retracted his statement, admitting he had not seen any Israelis near the house. The mother, aged 53, initially maintained her version and was detained, with her remand extended by court order until the following Thursday despite an appeal.

Further investigation by the police's Judea and Samaria unit revealed additional inconsistencies. Under renewed questioning on Tuesday, the mother admitted fabricating the story, explaining she had dreamed the settlers’ attack. She described waking to a power outage, then dreaming of settlers throwing a bottle into the house and chasing them away. Upon waking, she saw the fire and evacuated with her children. She said she falsely accused settlers due to previous violent encounters with Israelis and had shared this false narrative with the media.

The police are investigating her for false reporting and incitement. Evidence confirms the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical fault, and no Israelis were near the property at the time, establishing beyond reasonable doubt that the arson claim was fabricated by the mother and son.