Israel Police and IDF Clash Over Qalqilya Tunnel Discovery

A public dispute has erupted between the Israel Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) regarding the discovery of what the police described as a tunnel under construction near Qalqilya. The police maintain their initial report was accurate, stating the tunnel shafts were found approximately 400 meters from Highway 6, a major Israeli highway. Police sources characterized the IDF's response as a "credit-grabbing battle" and asserted that all findings were based on field intelligence, including 18 meters of excavated tunnel and intelligence about weapons and fertilizer for explosives.

The police further clarified that while the tunnel was close to Highway 6, it did not cross into Israeli territory. They emphasized their excellent cooperation with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and highlighted the commendation of their intelligence coordinator and engineering unit for their work.

The IDF, however, issued a rare public statement criticizing the police's announcement. The military stated that their investigation revealed not a tunnel, but two shafts of a shorter depth, and that these were not located near the seam line or settlements in the area, contradicting the police's claims. The IDF also disputed the depth of the shafts, suggesting they were not as deep as the police reported.