Israeli President Supports Gilad Farm Widow After Devastating Fire Destroys Homes

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke on Sunday with Yael Shevach, widow of Rabbi Raziel Shevach who was killed in a 2018 shooting near Gilad Farm in the West Bank. Her home was completely destroyed in a severe fire that swept through the settlement in Samaria. Herzog expressed solidarity with Shevach and the residents, saying, "The entire people of Israel stand with you in this difficult time. We love you and your precious family and think of everyone who lost their homes." Shevach thanked the president and described the extent of the damage, noting that 17 families lost their homes entirely and lamenting the loss of the tangible memory of her late husband.

The fire, which broke out on Saturday, was part of a series of wildfires affecting the Samaria region and northern Israel. It engulfed 13 homes, a garage, and a wood storage facility, injuring two firefighters and causing a resident to be lightly injured and evacuated. Gilad Farm, established in memory of Gilad Zar who was also killed in a shooting attack, was recently officially recognized as a settlement after 24 years of struggle, a milestone reached eight years after Rabbi Shevach's murder. Yael Shevach has been a key advocate for formalizing the community as a response to terrorism.

Following the fire, Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan held a situation assessment with representatives from the IDF, Home Front Command, Central Command, Judea and Samaria Division, firefighting forces, and emergency services. Dagan reported that about 20 families lost their homes completely, with many others suffering heavy damage and significant harm to electricity and water infrastructure. He emphasized coordinated efforts with government ministries and security forces to restore the residents' homes and rebuild the settlement larger and stronger than before.

In a related security development, Israeli police prevented a suspected "price tag" revenge attack overnight in the Samaria area. Border Police stopped a suspicious vehicle at a gas station near Kedumim, where three local men aged 18 to 20 were found carrying gasoline containers and weapons. The suspects were arrested and taken for questioning at Ariel police station.