Some twenty Jewish families needed to be evacuated from their homes after a fire was lit near the town of Yitzhar located in the heart of Shomron. It is believed that the fires were lit by Arab arsonists attempting to cause havoc to the Jewish residents of the town. The fires burnt three buildings at the edge of the town before they were brought under control.

Firefighting teams were dispatched to the scene and eventually succeeded in bringing the blaze under control. A helicopter and numerous police units were also dispatched and police began a thorough investigation.

Residents of Yitzhar told Israeli media that they believe the fire was started by arsonists from the Palestinian town of Urif, which is located nearby.

Yitzhar resident and spokesman for the Otzma Yehudit party Tzvi Succot said that the arson that took place was just the latest attempt by Arab arsonists from Urif to burn down the town of Yitzhar.

“Once again, they’re trying to burn our town,” Succot wrote on Facebook. “As of now, a stable and two buildings have gone up in flames. We’re tired of this.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)