Police and IDF Clash Over 'Tunnel' Discovery in Qalqilya

A public dispute between the Israel Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has intensified over the classification of a discovery made during an operation in Qalqilya. The police insist they uncovered a "tunnel," while the IDF maintains that investigations revealed only two shafts, ruling out any tunnel structure and criticizing the police for "irresponsible official statements."

The controversy began when the police announced the discovery of a tunnel. Subsequently, the IDF stated that while two shafts were found, their examination ruled out the existence of a tunnel. The IDF also issued a rare public criticism of the police's initial announcement, calling it "irresponsible."

In response, the police issued a detailed statement reaffirming their classification of the find as a "tunnel" and released documentation, including footage of an officer inside the deep shaft. According to the police, four suspects were arrested during the operation by the Judea and Samaria (Shai) District and the Border Police. The arrest of two Israeli Arabs was extended, while the other two suspects are expected to appear before a military court.

The police emphasized that the operation was based on intelligence from the Shomron crime-fighting unit and that the operational plan was approved by the IDF. They asserted that their initial announcement was "accurate and fact-based." An intelligence officer involved described entering the site and finding a large tunnel opening covered with burlap and monitored by closed-circuit television. He also noted the discovery of weapons, munitions, and a bag of fertilizer, which can be used to make explosives.

Despite the IDF's assessment, the police reiterated their use of the term "tunnel" and noted that IDF professionals later arrived at the scene with specialized equipment. Commander of the Shai District, Superintendent Moshe Finchi, acknowledged the good cooperation with the IDF but defended the police's statements, stating that "professional disagreements" can occur. He concluded by assuring that any report issued by the police is "accurate and fact-based."