Israeli Defense Minister Declares Strong Response to Balloon and Kite Launches from Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a situation assessment with Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and other senior defense officials. During the meeting, Katz announced that the ultimatum issued regarding the launching of incendiary balloons and kites from the Gaza Strip toward communities in the Negev has expired. He emphasized that Israel considers every such launch an act of terrorism and will respond accordingly.

Katz stated that from now on, every launch will be met with a powerful response targeting those responsible, including organizers, perpetrators, launch sites, and the infrastructures supporting these activities. Following directives from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and himself, the Israel Defense Forces will employ all necessary means, including evacuating populations from areas or neighborhoods used for launching these devices, to address and eliminate terror hubs.