Two Palestinians were arrested in a joint operation by the Israel Police, Border Patrol, and IDF on Monday, on suspicion of having ignited the fire at the Gilad Farm in Samaria on Saturday.
The fire damaged dozens of structures and vehicles and led to the injury of several people, including two firefighters.
Army Radio noted that the two suspects were alleged to have thrown a cigarette out of the window of their vehicle while driving on Highway 55, and that there was no evidence or direct suspicion of the incident having been an intentional case of arson.
“The community thanks the security forces and the police for the rapid action that led to the arrest,” the Gilad Farm committee stated after the arrest.
“We demand that the law enforcement authorities fully investigate, act decisively, and impose the most severe penalties provided for by law on those responsible for this criminal act. This is terrorism, and this incident should be treated as terrorism.”
Ben-Gvir congratulates police on arrest
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also responded, congratulating the police force for the arrest.
“Anyone who sets fires, harms residents, and tries to terrorize should know that the security forces will pursue them, reach them, and bring them to justice,” he announced. “This is the policy, and we will continue to act decisively against anyone who seeks to harm the security of Israeli citizens.”
On Saturday, The Jerusalem Post reported that a preliminary investigation showed the fire at the farm had started due to a cigarette butt thrown on the side of the road.
The fire at Gilad Farm led to the mass evacuation of residents and police blocking part of Highway 55 before firefighters eventually brought that blaze under control.
Two firefighters were moderately and lightly injured, and several residents were treated for smoke inhalation, Ynet reported.
Miri Sela-Eitam, Ruby Sadikman, Alon Hachmon, and Moshe Cohen contributed to this report.
