IDF locates 15-meter shaft in West Bank

The Israeli Defense Forces identified a hidden underground shaft on Monday near the residence of a Hamas militant involved in Friday's attack. The structure is located in the Hebron region of the West Bank. IDF officials stated the shaft is roughly 15 meters deep and narrow in width.

This discovery followed a massive search operation across the West Bank. Troops examined approximately 500 Palestinian homes and other sites in the area. The search targeted locations connected to the incident that killed two Israeli soldiers. Underground tunnels are uncommon in the West Bank, where the IDF maintains strong surveillance compared to Gaza or Lebanon.

Investigators recovered an unidentified electronic device from inside the shaft. The item was removed for further technical examination. The IDF confirmed the find as part of its ongoing effort to analyze the attack site.

The attack occurred on Friday when two militants opened fire on troops at the Judea Junction. The attackers traveled by car and wielded an M4 machine gun and a pistol. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of two members of the Ari Battalion.

Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, of Ashkelon, died in the engagement. He served as a squad commander. Sergeant Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, of Hod Hasharon, was a combat soldier in the same unit. Both men were assigned to the Search and Rescue Brigade's 775th battalion.