Authorities suspect arson as cause of massive Beit Shemesh fire   

Israel’s Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Eyal Caspi, has ordered the formation of a special investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding last week's major fire in the Beit Shemesh area.

The team, which was established at the outset of the incident and arrived on the scene during the first day of firefighting, has reached a preliminary conclusion that the fire was deliberately set.

"Evidence was found at the scene, supported by eyewitness testimony, strengthening suspicions that the fire was started by an individual present at the outbreak," the Israel Fire and Rescue Service announced.

Investigators located the fire’s origin near the entrance to the town of Tirosh, adjacent to an access road leading to chicken coops. Harsh weather conditions helped the blaze spread rapidly.

The full investigative findings will be submitted to Jerusalem District Commander Tzvi Shmuel Friedman and Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi, who will, in turn, forward the report and its conclusions to the Israel Police for further investigation.

In recognition of the complexity and coordination required in battling the fire, the Israel Fire and Rescue Service has named the operation "Braid of Fire." "Just like a good braid, command, planning, coordination, initiative, and professionalism were interwoven until operational success was achieved," the service stated.