"This is our life's work, hundreds of customers flocked": The new restaurant burned down completely - and this is the main suspicion

A large fire broke out early this morning in the Afridar neighborhood of Ashkelon, causing heavy damage to The Tree restaurant and other businesses. Investigators suspect arson and are collecting evidence and security camera footage. Owner Hollander: "We are waiting for answers."

A large fire broke out early this morning (Tuesday, August 11, 2026) in the Afridar neighborhood of Ashkelon, on HaNasi Street, causing heavy damage to The Tree restaurant and other nearby businesses. The main fire was in the restaurant, and due to the intensity of the flames, additional forces were called from nearby stations, working for hours to prevent the fire from spreading. Only after prolonged efforts was full control achieved, followed by final extinguishing, dismantling parts of the building's roof, and scanning with thermal cameras to locate hidden fire sources. The restaurant and other businesses suffered heavy damage. Investigators suspect the fire was deliberately set, and fire investigators and police arrived to examine the circumstances. They began collecting testimonies, findings, and footage from nearby security cameras to locate and arrest suspects if the building was found to have been torched. The restaurant owner, Hollander, said: "We are now waiting for answers from the investigating authorities, and later we will do everything to reopen the place immediately." The investigation into the circumstances of the fire is ongoing.

"This is our life's work, hundreds of customers flocked": The new restaurant burned down completely - and this is the main suspicion