IDF, Police Clash Over Reported Tunnel Discovery Near Kfar Saba

The Israeli military and police are engaged in a public dispute following the police's announcement of discovering a tunnel near the Palestinian city of Qalqilya, close to Israel's central Sharon region. While police reported finding a tunnel approximately 25 meters deep, the IDF stated that only shafts were found, and no tunnel, nor any proximity to the "seam zone" (the border area). The IDF spokesperson clarified that two shafts, about 12 meters deep, were located, along with seized weapons including an M16 rifle, a hunting rifle, a handgun, and ammunition.

A senior police official countered the IDF's statement, suggesting the military was "hurt" by not receiving credit for the discovery near the Sharon communities. The police had described the find as a "dramatic exposure" resulting from an operation by the Judea and Samaria District's crime-fighting unit and Border Police. They reported locating the tunnel, which was not yet complete but descended to at least 25 meters, and the beginning of another tunnel excavation. The police also seized a sniper rifle, an M16, magazines, ammunition, fertilizer components used in explosives, mobile phones, and a DVR.

During the operation, four suspects were arrested and taken for questioning regarding the tunnel's intended purpose and the presence of weapons so close to the seam zone. Despite the inter-agency disagreement, residents of Kfar Saba and surrounding areas expressed concern. Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa'ar told Channel 12 News that residents have been worried since the discovery, calling it a serious event that should concern everyone. He added that the municipality had previously warned about infiltrations, tunnels, and drone threats even before October 7th.