Overview
- A fast-moving wildfire that began on Shabbat spread from the Kedumim area into Havat Gilad on Saturday and prompted the full evacuation of roughly 100 families.
- Fire and rescue crews — reported as 45 teams plus a reconnaissance helicopter and eight aircraft — battled the blaze for hours and treated two injured firefighters.
- Damage estimates vary by source but include at least 13 homes gutted, dozens of other buildings and vehicles harmed, and the destruction of the Tzameret carpentry warehouse with losses in the tens of millions of shekels.
- Police have formed a special investigative team and the IDF says military lookout footage shows a passing vehicle allegedly throwing a burning cigarette butt and that the vehicle and license plate have been identified, though no public arrests have been announced.
- Community leaders have called for arrests and rapid reconstruction, volunteers and fundraisers are mobilizing, and officials warn the fire will heighten security and rebuilding pressures in the contested Samaria region.