Police Release New Tunnel Evidence Amid IDF Dispute

A public dispute between the Israeli Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) escalated Thursday over findings in Qalqilya, with the police releasing new evidence and insisting on their claim of discovering a tunnel, despite the IDF's denial. The IDF had previously stated that investigations into two shafts found in Qalqilya ruled out the existence of a tunnel, calling police reports on the matter "irresponsible" and "inaccurate." An IDF source criticized the police for releasing uncoordinated information that caused public panic.

Commander Moshe Finchi of the Police's Judea and Samaria district rejected the IDF's criticism, asserting that the police announcement was based solely on facts and accompanied by operational documentation. He suggested the dispute stemmed from a "credit gap" and emphasized the police's responsibility for public safety, especially after the October 7th attacks. The police subsequently released further documentation and details of their findings.

An intelligence coordinator for the Unit for Combating Crime in the Shomron region, identified as 'Tz', described receiving "hot" intelligence indicating the presence of weapons, which necessitated a rapid approval of an operational plan with the IDF. He stated that during the raid, which also involved Border Police, they discovered a large tunnel opening covered with burlap and monitored by closed-circuit television. He personally entered the tunnel to assess its size and characteristics.

Among the items seized were various weapons, munitions, and a bag of potassium fertilizer, which can be used to manufacture explosives. This follows a police report from the previous day detailing the discovery of a tunnel at a depth of at least 25 meters, with another excavation apparently underway. An M16 rifle, a sniper rifle, ammunition, and magazines were also confiscated. Four suspects were arrested during the operation; two Israeli citizens had their detention extended by a court, while the other two will appear before a military court.

Commander Finchi reiterated that cooperation between the police and the IDF is generally good, but acknowledged that professional disagreements can occur. He stressed that any report issued by the police is accurate and fact-based. Professional IDF personnel later arrived at the scene to conduct further examinations of the shafts using specialized equipment.