IDF Disputes Police Claim of Terror Tunnel Discovery Near Qalqilya

An unprecedented dispute erupted between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Police on Thursday following conflicting reports about the discovery of a terror tunnel near Qalqilya. The police had announced the previous evening that during an operational activity, a tunnel in the excavation stages, approximately 25 meters deep and containing numerous weapons, had been located. This announcement caused widespread concern among residents of communities along the seam line and in the Sharon region.

However, in a highly unusual and sharp statement, an IDF spokesperson completely denied the police's claim. The IDF clarified that the Yahalom unit had examined the area and found only two shafts, each 12 meters deep, with no tunnel formation. The army sharply criticized the police, stating that the information was released "contrary to official and irresponsible announcements on the matter," thereby negating any imminent danger to the seam line area.

The police rejected the IDF's position outright. Commander of the Judea and Samaria District, Superintendent Moshe Finchi, asserted that the initial announcement was entirely accurate and based on solid information. He added, sarcastically, that he did not need the IDF spokesperson to grade him.

This direct confrontation between the security bodies highlighted deep tensions regarding information management and authority in the field. The significant discrepancies between the two accounts left local authorities and residents in the Sharon region with a strong sense of uncertainty. While local councils expressed relief at the dismissal of the tunnel threat, community leaders demanded full coordination among all agencies to prevent unnecessary public panic, especially in such a sensitive security zone.