Tomb of Elazar the Kohen Set on Fire in Samaria: IDF Investigates

The tomb of Elazar the Kohen, a Jewish holy site near the Palestinian village of Awarta in Samaria (the Shomron), was set on fire in an incident reported on Thursday. Within hours, dozens of local residents arrived to help restore the site, accompanied by Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, council members, and IDF soldiers.

Speaking at the scene, Dagan said: "We are here as representatives of the State of Israel, together with the IDF. We will repair this disgrace and bring about a significant restoration, including through continued settlement development."

According to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, troops were dispatched to the area after receiving reports and footage of the fire at the tomb. No injuries were reported. Soldiers searched the surrounding area for the suspects, but they had fled before the forces arrived.

Officers from the Judea and Samaria Police District, along with forensic investigators, are working to gather evidence and witness testimony as part of an investigation into the incident.

The IDF strongly condemned the attack on the religious site and emphasized that security forces are continuing their efforts to identify and locate those responsible.

Despite the damage, local residents worked to restore the tomb within just a few hours. Their efforts were intended to send a clear message that the attack would not prevent worshippers from continuing to visit and pray at the site.