The IDF and local police are investigating a suspected settler arson attack in the West Bank village of Tuba, where several homes were burned and about six Palestinians were injured, including four children aged 5, 6, 8 and 10. Security forces found burned buildings, destroyed property and graffiti, but suspects had fled before authorities arrived. The IDF condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. The incident follows related fires near Nablus and comes amid political tensions involving Central Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth.
Suspected Settler Arson in Tuba: Several Homes Torched, Children Among the Injured
(Illustrative) A Palestinian man stands next to a burnt car after an attack by Israeli settlers in Kafr Malik, in the West Bank, June 26, 2025. (photo credit: REUTERS/Ammar Awad TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Israeli forces are investigating a suspected arson attack in the West Bank village of Tuba after several Palestinian homes were deliberately set on fire, leaving multiple people injured, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The IDF said it and local police responded to reports of fires that began on Wednesday, but the suspected perpetrators had fled the scene before security forces arrived.
Officers who inspected the village found burned structures, damaged property and graffiti sprayed on buildings. According to Haaretz, about six Palestinians were wounded in the attack, including four children aged 5, 6, 8 and 10, a 35-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man. Several homes in Tuba sustained heavy damage or were destroyed by the fires.
"The IDF strongly condemns such incidents, including harming residents, including women and children. The IDF expects law enforcement agencies to bring the suspects to justice."
The IDF publicly condemned the attack and said it expects law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible. Local police and military investigators are conducting an on-site inquiry, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Israeli security forces guard tour groups in the West Bank city of Hebron, June 28, 2025 (credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90)
Related Incidents and Political Context
The Tuba arson follows reports that Israeli settlers set fire to vehicles and other property on Tuesday in the nearby villages of Talfit and Jalud, near Nablus. In one of those villages, graffiti saying "Revenge" and "Avi, go home"—apparently aimed at Central Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth—was found spray-painted on walls.
The graffiti and attacks came amid a brief controversy after Defense Minister Israel Katz announced his intention to remove Maj.-Gen. Bluth from his post; Katz reversed that decision on Wednesday after meeting with settlement leaders. The events have heightened tensions in the West Bank and prompted calls from rights groups and officials for a thorough investigation.
Authorities have not yet reported arrests. Investigators are examining forensic evidence and security footage where available, and the situation remains tense as residents and officials await further developments.
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