Weapons Cache Found in 25-Meter Tunnel Near Israeli Communities

Israeli security forces uncovered a 25-meter-deep tunnel under construction near the Palestinian city of Qalqilya, close to Israeli communities in the Sharon region. The tunnel, along with a cache of weapons and ammunition, was discovered during an operation by the Judea and Samaria (Shai) District's Counter-Crime Unit and the Border Police's Judea and Samaria forces. Four suspects were arrested at the scene and taken for questioning.

During the search, forces found an M16 rifle, a sniper rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones, fertilizer (used in explosives), and a DVR device. They also discovered the beginnings of a second tunnel being excavated.

Rafi Sa'ar, the mayor of Kfar Saba and chairman of the "Seam Line Communities Forum," stated that the discovery highlights the "real and immediate" security threat to residents living near the border. He urged decisive action and systematic efforts to prevent future threats, emphasizing that residents of the Sharon region deserve security and peace.

Osherat Gani Gonen, head of the South Sharon Regional Council, also reacted, calling the tunnel discovery a "serious event" that demonstrates the growing threat to communities near the border fence. She stressed that after October 7th, such incidents cannot be ignored and that the area must be treated as a front line requiring significant resources and attention.