IDF finds two more tunnel shafts near Qalqilya, weapons seized

A day after the discovery of a tunnel shaft in Qalqilya, Yahalom unit fighters located two additional tunnel shafts in the area.

The IDF Spokesperson announced: "During the operation, two shafts were located at depths of approximately 12 meters, and near the shafts combat equipment was found including an M16 rifle, a hunting rifle, a pistol and ammunition, which were confiscated by the forces.

"Contrary to official and irresponsible statements issued on the matter, after investigation of the shafts, the existence of a tunnel route in the shafts was ruled out and proximity of the shaft to the seam zone was ruled out. In addition, the forces arrested four suspects in terror activity, who are being interrogated by security forces."

Yahalom unit fighters investigating shaft in Qalqilya (IDF Spokesperson)

Security forces are continuing extensive operations in the area to locate and rule out the existence of additional shafts, and are conducting wide-ranging actions to locate additional combat equipment.

"Security forces will continue to operate with initiative and offensively to thwart terror throughout the Judea and Samaria Division and to safeguard the security of residents," the statement said.

Earlier, Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan called for an emergency discussion following the exposure of the shafts in the Sharon region.

"The exposure of the tunnel in Qalqilya must set off all the red lights in the State of Israel," Dagan said. "We are talking about a Palestinian city located mere meters from Sharon communities, and within it a tunnel has been exposed at a depth of 25 meters, alongside weapons, a sniper rifle and material for preparing explosives."

Dagan connected his demand to the lessons of the October 7 attack: "October 7 proved to us in the harshest way the meaning of a situation in which an armed force facing us accumulates capabilities, training, weapons and infrastructure over years. Hamas is an example of this."

According to him, the security establishment must prepare a dedicated plan now: "Therefore I demand that the Defense Minister, the Chief of Staff and the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee prepare now a plan against 'role reversal,' an orderly plan that will deal with the scenario in which the security mechanisms of the Palestinian Authority begin to operate as a military force against Israel."