The discovery of a pier connected to a tunnel heading from Kibbutz Nir Ohz in southern Israel to Gaza saved many lives, IDF officials report. They explain that B’chasdei Hashem the bountiful rainfall last week led to the erosion of the earth covering the pier, exposing it, thereby thwarting the planned attack, presumably against the kibbutz.

The local farmers noticed the situation and decided to see why the area collapsed, finding the tunnel connecting about four meters (13.1 feet) underground. Security officials were notified as they closed the area off to civilians. Combat engineers responded, while armored and aerial units provided cover for the engineers as they assessed the situation. After a number of hours the engineers gave the ‘all clear’, stating there were no bombs or explosives found.

Military officials believe the tunnel was dug to provide a route for Gaza-based terrorists wishing to strike targets inside Israel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)