As we first reported, two Arab suspects were brought into custody today (Monday) on suspicion of involvement in igniting the giant fire in the Gilad Farm over this past Saturday, which caused damage to dozens of structures and vehicles. The two were transferred to the station for further investigation, contrary to initial police assessments that a cigarette butt had led to the devastating blaze.
2+Following a police announcement about the arrest of Arab suspects in the massive fire at Galad Farm, police issued a clarification stating there was a “clerical error” and that the suspects are being investigated for “causing a fire”—not arson.
As reported by our Judea and Samaria affairs correspondent, Eliya Aviv, terrorists from the village of Jit arrived at the scene and simultaneously lit four different fire hotspots in order to cause maximum damage and harm human life. Firefighters, along with security forces and many volunteers from the area who were rushed to the scene, managed a heroic containment battle for long hours against the walls of fire.
2+Due to the complexity of the incident and the immediate danger to homes, eight firefighting aircraft and a scouting helicopter were scrambled to the campaign to assist in directing the forces from the air. Only after long and nerve-wracking hours was control over the flames achieved, but the images revealed as the fire died down were unbearable and pointed to an immense scope of destruction: 26 residential homes of Jewish families were completely burned, and four local businesses were severely hit and suffered heavy economic damage.
During the firefighting and life-saving efforts, five people were injured by smoke inhalation and burns—including four firefighters who were injured while shielding the residents’ homes with their bodies, and one civilian who was lightly injured. All victims were evacuated to hospitals for further treatment.
2+One of the volunteers who operated at the scene stated at the time in a conversation with C14: “The pioneering settlement in Samaria suffered a painful blow, but the spirit of Gilad Farm cannot be burned. In the face of the barbaric terrorism trying to expel us from our land, the Zionist response will be clear: we are staying here, we will rebuild the ruins, and we will continue to deepen roots in the land of our ancestors.”
Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan responded to Israel Police announcements about the arrest of suspects in the arson at Gilad Farm and demands: “Put an end to the saga and determine what is self-evident: this is arson. The Government of Israel must enter into rehabilitating the community. Gilad Farm will be rebuilt, will flourish and will be even greater”
Dagan continued “I commend the Israel Police, Border Police and Shomron Brigade on apprehending the suspects in the arson at Gilad Farm. I call on all the authorities to put an end to the ongoing saga, and to determine the obvious – that this is arson which miraculously did not claim many lives, and caused severe damage to a legitimate community in the State of Israel.
The Government of Israel must immediately enter into rehabilitating the infrastructure that was destroyed and the houses that were burned as a result of the arson, and act together with the Shomron Regional Council and together with the community council, to return life to routine. Gilad Farm will grow and flourish even more, with the clear Zionist spirit and the wonderful and special community of Gilad Farm. Gilad Farm will flourish and will be even greater,” Dagan’s words.