IDF probes alleged arson attack on Biblical High Priest Eleazar's tomb near Nablus in West Bank

The IDF is investigating a suspected arson attack on the West Bank tomb believed to belong to Eleazar the Priest, the biblical son of Aaron, after footage of the alleged incident circulated on Palestinian social media. Troops searched for suspects who fled the scene. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, condemned the act. The Palestinian Authority has not commented.

The IDF is investigating a suspected arson attack on a West Bank tomb believed to be the burial site of Eleazar the Priest, the biblical son of Aaron, in the Palestinian village of Awarta near Nablus. Footage of the alleged arson was shared on Palestinian social media. The military confirmed troops searched for suspects, who fled before they arrived. Israel Police and forensic investigators plan to enter the village under IDF escort to collect evidence and take witness statements. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, visited the site for repairs and condemned the perpetrators, saying they 'behave like ISIS.' Eleazar was the second High Priest of the Israelites and is significant in Judaism and the Samaritan faith. The site has been vandalized multiple times; the Israelite Samaritan Information Institute previously reported that members of the PFLP vandalized the tomb with propaganda graffiti. The Palestinian Authority has not commented on the attack, but WAFA reported a separate incident of settlers firing live ammunition at a home in Awarta. The article notes Israel's recent moves to take control of archaeological sites from the PA, citing concerns over preservation.