IDF Denies Tunnel Discovery in Qalqilya, Cites Different Findings

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson on Thursday denied reports of a tunnel discovered in Qalqilya, stating that investigations of openings found in the area revealed no tunnel path. The military spokesperson clarified that the two openings were located far from the seam line, contradicting an earlier official police statement.

According to the IDF, forces, along with Border Police and the Judea and Samaria police, conducted a nighttime operation in Qalqilya based on intelligence about weapons in the area. During the operation, four terror suspects were arrested, and weapons including an M-16 rifle, a hunting rifle, and a handgun, along with ammunition, were seized. The IDF found two openings approximately 12 meters deep, but confirmed after examination that they did not constitute a tunnel path and were not near the seam line.

The police had previously announced the discovery of a tunnel in Qalqilya, at least 25 meters deep and still under construction. They reported finding weapons and arresting four suspects. The police stated the tunnel was uncovered during an intelligence and operational activity in the Samaria region, involving the Special Investigations Unit and Border Police fighters in the West Bank. During searches in Qalqilya, forces found an M-16 rifle, a sniper rifle, ammunition, magazines, phones, fertilizer used for explosives, and a DVR.

Following the discovery, four suspects were apprehended and taken for questioning. The police affirmed their commitment to proactively uncovering digging infrastructure and weapons in the Samaria region and bringing those involved to justice.