IDF Seals Qalqilya Shafts With Concrete, Rules Out Tunnel Threat
IDF engineering forces sealed two weapon-storage shafts discovered in Qalqilya with concrete. Military investigations confirmed they had no exit routes, dismissing initial fears of infiltration tunnels near the security barrier.
IDF engineering forces from the Ephraim Regional Brigade sealed two shafts discovered in Qalqilya last month by pouring concrete into them on Thursday morning. Military officials stated that subsequent investigations revealed the structures had entry points but no exits, ruling out the existence of underground tunnel routes or any proximity to the security fence.
The shafts were originally uncovered during a joint counter-crime operation conducted by the Samaria police anti-crime unit, the IDF, and Border Police forces in the West Bank. Authorities also recovered firearms, weaponry, and fertilizers that police suspect were intended for assembling explosive devices.
Four suspects were arrested at the scene during the operation. Two local residents from Qalqilya were transferred for legal proceedings under military law, while two Arab Israeli residents from Jaljulia were brought before the Petah Tikva Magistrate Court, which extended their remand by six days through September 29.
Superintendent Tzachi Ben-Hamo, head of the Samaria district investigative branch, noted that the operation in Qalqilya was initiated following precise intelligence regarding illegal weapons storage. Initial police statements regarding shafts near the seam line had caused concern among Sharon plain residents, though the military consistently maintained they served as weapon caches.
