Four Garbage Trucks Torched in Southern Israel, Threatening Waste Disposal

An investigation by the Southern District Fire and Rescue Services concluded that the fire was likely set intentionally. Police in Rahat also suspect arson, with the estimated damages from the destroyed vehicles ranging between four and five million shekels.

Moti Arazi, the CEO of the Duda'im Economic Company, stated that the incident could disrupt waste collection services for local authorities in southern Israel. He expressed concern that the loss of the four compactor trucks might require keeping the Duda'im site open on Shabbat to prevent municipalities from being overwhelmed with garbage.

Arazi believes the motive behind the attack is linked to protection racket extortion, noting previous break-ins at the site and a recent arson attack at a wastewater treatment facility in the Negev. He described the incident as actual terrorist activity that undermines the security of the employees at the site, which handles waste for both Jewish and Arab communities.