Israeli forces are conducting engineering work to detect, map, and destroy tunnels that cross or approach the border, considered a strategic threat to national security. Military sources indicated that the Yahalom unit plays a key role in these missions, as it has advanced technology for underground exploration and personnel specifically trained to operate in enclosed, unstable, and high-risk environments. Jerusalem, January 21, 2026 - Total News Agency - TNA - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they located a significant weapons cache hidden in a well within a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip, during cleanup and security operations on the Israeli side of the active ceasefire line in the area. According to the official communiqué released by the Israeli Army, the discovery was made as part of the tasks of demolishing and neutralizing underground infrastructure belonging to Palestinian terrorist organizations. For Israel, these findings reinforce the thesis that terrorist infrastructure in Gaza remains active, even though open combat is suspended. The Army emphasized that operations will continue as long as the threat persists, and that they will act preventively to prevent tunnels from being reused. The seized material was removed from the scene and came under military custody for subsequent analysis. The Army stated that the discovery confirms that, despite the ongoing ceasefire, terrorist organizations continue to use the tunnel network as a central method for storing weapons, moving combatants, and planning attacks. They also reiterated that any violation of the ceasefire or attempted attack from the Strip will be met with firmness. Sources consulted: Israel Defense Forces; Israeli military spokespeople; specialized international media in security and defense. The operation involved personnel from the 188th Armored Brigade along with members of the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, specialized in underground tunnel detection operations. Inside the well, firearms, grenade launchers, and various military equipment were found, which, according to the IDF, were ready to be used in hostile actions against Israeli territory or against forces deployed in the region. In this regard, the IDF stressed that the current operations aim to systematically reduce these capabilities, with the objective of preventing a future escalation of violence. The tasks are mainly carried out on the eastern side of the so-called Yellow Line, the operational line established after the ceasefire agreements. Cooperation with armored brigades allows for securing the perimeter and providing support in case of incidents. The discovery adds to other similar operations carried out in recent weeks, in which the IDF reported locating weapons depots, explosives, and hidden logistics centers underground.
