IDF Disputes Police Claims of Tunnel Discovery in Qalqilya

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has publicly disputed claims made by the Israel Police regarding the discovery of a tunnel in the West Bank city of Qalqilya. The dispute arose after the police announced on Thursday that their forces had uncovered a tunnel in the "early stages of excavation" at a depth of at least 25 meters. The IDF, however, stated that during a joint overnight operation with the Border Police and Judea and Samaria District, two shafts approximately 12 meters deep were found. The military explicitly denied these shafts constituted a tunnel, calling the police's announcement "irresponsible."

In a rare public disagreement between Israeli security agencies, the IDF spokesperson's unit released a statement clarifying that an investigation of the shafts ruled out the possibility of them being part of a tunnel. The IDF also stated that the shafts were not close to the "seam area," a reference to the separation barrier. This contrasts sharply with the police's official statement, which reported the discovery of a tunnel not yet completed, already 25 meters deep, and the beginning of another tunnel.

Despite the disagreement over the tunnel's existence, the joint operation did result in the seizure of weapons, including an M16 rifle, a hunting rifle, a handgun, and ammunition. Four suspects involved in terrorist activity were arrested during the operation and handed over to security forces for further investigation.