In unprecedented statement

IDF rebukes Border Police on tunnel claim

Army clarifies two shafts found in Qalqilya were 12 meters deep, not 25, and inspection ruled out tunnel route; four suspects arrested, weapons seized

Gila Isaacson

SEP 24, 2026 16:47

2 min read

IDF Issues Rare Rebuke of Border Police over Qalqilya "Tunnel" Claim

The IDF issued an unusual public rebuke Thursday of official statements regarding a reported "tunnel" discovery in Qalqilya, clarifying that forces found two shafts approximately 12 meters deep, not a 25-meter tunnel as earlier reported, and that inspection ruled out the presence of any tunnel route.

In a statement that included pointed criticism of earlier announcements, the army said: "Contrary to official and irresponsible statements issued on the matter, two shafts were located at depths of approximately 12 meters, and following investigation of the shafts, the presence of a tunnel route in the shafts was ruled out, as was proximity of the shaft to the seam area."

Tunnel found in Qalqilya (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

The IDF released photographs of Yahalom Unit combat engineers who entered to scan the shafts. The inspection of the shafts formed the basis for the army's findings regarding the absence of a tunnel route at the site examined.

The IDF also addressed the question of location relative to the seam area. In addition to ruling out a tunnel route in the shafts, the statement explicitly noted that proximity of the shaft to this area was ruled out. These were two separate determinations included in the army's clarification following investigation of the shafts.

The IDF confirmed that during the operation at the site, weapons were located. The statement added that forces arrested four suspects, who were transferred for interrogation following their detention.