Overview
- A fast-moving wildfire raced into the Samaria settlement of Havat Gilad on Saturday, prompting the full evacuation of roughly 100 families and the relocation of residents to nearby communities.
- Forty-five firefighting and rescue crews, eight aircraft, and a reconnaissance helicopter battled the flames; two firefighters were treated for injuries and crews brought the main blaze under control after several hours.
- Preliminary investigative work and IDF lookout footage indicate a discarded burning object, reported as a cigarette, was thrown from a Palestinian-plated vehicle and ignited the fire; the military says it has identified the vehicle and is working to find the driver.
- The community reports heavy material losses with roughly a dozen to several dozen homes and businesses gutted, residents estimate damages in the tens of millions of shekels, and local organizers have launched relief and rebuilding efforts.
- Local officials framed the incident as suspected arson and called for arrests and a firm state response, and a special police-IDF investigative team continues to examine the cause and any wider security implications.