The Israel Defense Forces said on Thursday that contrary to an official police statement, two shafts uncovered in the Palestinian city of Qalqilya in western Samaria were not part of an underground tunnel system.
The military dismissed what it called “official and irresponsible statements that emerged on the matter.”
The Israel Police had said on Wednesday that its forces found a tunnel 25 meters (82 feet) underground in the city.
According to the IDF, the shafts were about 12 meters (39 feet) deep. An examination ruled out a tunnel route, and the shafts were not located near the Samaria security barrier, the military stressed.
כוחות הביטחון ימשיכו לפעול ביוזמה ובהתקפיות לסיכול טרור ברחבי אוגדת יהודה ושומרון ולשמירה על ביטחון התושבים pic.twitter.com/jE4E5xmlo0
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) September 24, 2026
Forces confiscated an M-16 rifle, a hunting rifle, a handgun and ammunition found near the shafts. Four suspects involved in terrorist activity were arrested and are being questioned.
“The security forces continue to operate in the area to locate and rule out the presence of additional shafts, while conducting extensive activities to locate additional weapons,” the IDF said. “The security forces will continue to operate proactively to thwart terrorism throughout the Judea and Samaria area and to maintain the security of residents.”
