Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz Ends Ultimatum, Vows Strong Response to Gaza Balloon Attacks

On Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a situation assessment with IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, and other senior defense officials. During the meeting, Katz declared that the ultimatum issued following the launch of incendiary balloons and kites from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israeli communities had expired. He emphasized that Israel regards every such launch as a terrorist act and will respond accordingly with force against those responsible, including the organizers, perpetrators, launch sites, and supporting infrastructure.

Katz stated that under the directives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and himself, the Israel Defense Forces will employ all necessary means, including evacuating populations from areas or neighborhoods used for these attacks, to neutralize terror hubs. He warned that Hamas or any other group attempting to resume these attacks or threats against southern communities as occurred before October 7 will face severe consequences. The defense minister's remarks signal a significant escalation in Israel's approach to countering incendiary balloon attacks from Gaza.

Separately, a senior political analyst commented that in the upcoming elections, Netanyahu's position appears decisively strengthened, reflecting the current security stance and government resolve.