Gaza tunnels

The minister called this order Israel's "central mission," placing it alongside the IDF's other obligations, such as the protection of soldiers and Israeli communities.

Defense Minister Israel Katz added that demolishing the tunnels is the most important joint mission in demobilizing Gaza in accordance with Trump's ceasefire plan.

Freed hostage Omer Wenkert, who was released from captivity in February, was held together with Gilboa-Dalal and David in Gaza, and shared footage of the emotional reunion on his Instagram.

“The army’s role is to shape a military reality that gives Israel a stronger hand in future negotiations,” retired Maj.-Gen. Israel Zini said.

The operation was carried out by soldiers from the Northern Brigade under Division 99, in coordination with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), intelligence personnel, and observation units.

The kilometer-long tunnel was discovered during an operation led by the 7th Brigade Combat Team and subsequently demolished.

According to the military, the tunnel route is approximately one kilometer long and was found mostly dismantled in Gaza's Daraj Tuffah.

The operations also included activities from the Kfir Brigade, which located dozens of mortar shells, grenades, explosive devices, and additional hidden weapons.

The IDF has been working for years and even had a brigade-size unit, whose task is to develop new technologies and tactics for underground warfare.

All seven were soldiers in the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion of the 188th Brigade.

The tunnel which was destroyed was approximately a kilometer in length.