IDF uncovers Hamas attack tunnel inside Israeli territory

Tunnel discovered thanks to new tunnel detection capabilities • Despite the find, IDF does not expect escalation in Gaza in near future.

For the first time since Operation Protective Edge in the summer of 2014, the IDF recently uncovered a Hamas attack tunnel that reached inside Israeli territory.

The tunnel, which entered Israel from southern Gaza, was uncovered thanks to new tunnel detection technological capabilities employed by the IDF.

The IDF does not believe the discovery of the tunnel will lead to a security escalation in Gaza in the near future.

Lt. Col. Peter Lerner of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said on Monday, “We have neutralized the tunnel in Israeli territory, rendering it unusable for infiltration by Hamas terrorists.”

Lerner said the tunnel was lined with cement and outfitted with electricity, ventilation and rail tracks to cart away dirt from digging.

The tunnel was uncovered around a week and a half ago, but the story was placed under a gag order by the military censor so as not to endanger IDF troops, who were operating on both sides of the border fence to neutralize the threat it posed.

The tunnel was found several dozen meters (yards) inside Israel at a depth of 30 or more meters (over 98 feet) under the ground. According to a senior IDF Southern Command officer, the tunnel was similar to those found during and before Protective Edge. Defense officials believe it was built after Protective Edge, but the possibility it was built before the operation but not used by Hamas during the 50-day war for some reason has not been ruled out.

After the tunnel was discovered, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot and GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir arrived at the site to get a first-hand look.

Defense officials think there are more Hamas attack tunnels yet to be found. It is not known how many cross under the border into Israel. The hope is that the new technology that proved itself a week and a half ago will lead to the discovery of other tunnels.

“Before Protective Edge, we discovered tunnels randomly,” a Southern Command official said. “Not it is not random, but systematic. A system we place in the ground succeeded in identifying the tunnel. We’ve proven our ability to detect empty space very deep underground and subsequently destroy it. This is a great challenge.”

According to the official, the gag order on the story was maintained for a week and a half because it took longer than initially expected to ascertain the path of the tunnel and neutralize the threat it posed.

The nature of the IDF’s new tunnel detection technology is considered one of the military’s most closely-held secrets. The concern is that publication of any details about the system could enable terrorist groups to find ways to mitigate its effectiveness. All that can be said is that the system can detect small empty spaces 30 to 40 meters (98 to 130 feet) under the ground.

Despite the uncovering of the tunnel, the defense establishment does not anticipate a flare-up of violence in Gaza in the near future. A defense official said the IDF’s enhanced tunnel detection capabilities would bolster Israel’s deterrence against Hamas. “If we descend into war because of this, then we descend into war,” the official said. “Hamas knows that if it responds to the discovery of the tunnel, we will react strongly. I don’t think things will deteriorate because of one tunnel. Hamas lost an asset. If we continue to find tunnels, Hamas will realize it is losing its strategic capabilities and will face a dilemma of how to act. We are prepared for a situation in which Hamas surprises us.”

Last week, a defense establishment official said, “I hope Hamas understands that its major investment in tunnels won’t pay off.”

On Monday, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon called the discovery of the tunnel an “important operational achievement.” Ya’alon went on to say, “We have no illusions about Hamas’ intentions.”

Ya’alon said Israel has in recent years undertaken an extensive effort, much of it hidden from view, to deal with the tunnel threat.

“Coping with the tunnel phenomenon is very complex and Israel is a global leader in this realm,” Ya’alon said.

Ya’alon went on to warn, “We do not seek confrontation, but if Hamas tries to challenge the State of Israel and disrupt the lives of Gaza border area residents, we will deal it a very harsh blow.”

The defense minister called on Gaza border area residents to carry on with their daily routines and for Israelis from across the country to visit the south during the upcoming Passover holiday.