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Cigarette Ignites Havat Gilad Fire, Two Palestinians Arrested

7/20/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Investigators said a still-lit cigarette butt ignited the Havat Gilad settlement fire, ruling out intentional arson.
Police, Border Patrol and the IDF arrested two Palestinians for the blaze.
The fire destroyed 13 houses, damaged 29 structures and forced over 100 families to evacuate.
Shin Bet withdrew, leaving police as sole investigators.
Authorities warned the fire could spark reprisals after a mosque was attacked.

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Story summary

Investigators said a still-lit cigarette butt ignited the Havat Gilad settlement fire, ruling out intentional arson.
Police, Border Patrol and the IDF arrested two Palestinians for the blaze.
The fire destroyed 13 houses, damaged 29 structures and forced over 100 families to evacuate.
Shin Bet withdrew, leaving police as sole investigators.
Authorities warned the fire could spark reprisals after a mosque was attacked.