IDF UNCOVERS TERROR TUNNEL FROM GAZA INTO ISRAEL:

It has been cleared for publication that the IDF recently discovered a terror tunnel from Gaza into southern Israel, marking the first such discovery since 2014's Operation Protective Edge. The tunnel was a particularly large and complex one; its route stretched along the eastern sector of the Gaza Strip all the way to southern Gaza, and crossed onto the Israeli side. At some points it reached as much as 30 meters in depth. After being discovered, IDF forces quickly mobilized to secure and neutralize it - though precisely how is under a gag order, as is the tunnel's exact route. A senior defense official said that the IDF's number one priority over the past year has been to locate such terror tunnels, which Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist groups in Gaza have been busily rebuilding since the 2014 war. Israel has repeatedly protested Hamas' use of international aid - particularly building materials - to rebuild its tunnel capabilities, while preventing the aid from reaching civilians in Gaza.

Palestinian media has been reporting intense IDF activity, including heavy digging equipment, along the border with Gaza for the past several days. The military source added that Israeli operations against the tunnels were being aided by revolutionary advanced technology, though he did not elaborate. The official explained that both locating and securing such tunnels is an extremely complex, demanding mission. Responding to the discovery, the IDF emphasized that Israel is not interested in an escalation, but will operate wherever and whenever necessary to neutralize potential threats to the citizens of Israel. (Arutz-7)