Israel Warns Hamas Is Arming With Advanced Drones Via Egypt Amid Rising Tensions

Israel has expressed concern that Hamas is attempting to acquire advanced fiber-optic drones through Egypt, similar to those used by Hezbollah in Lebanon that caused casualties and damage along Israel's northern border. Israeli officials have identified increased efforts by Hamas in recent weeks to arm itself with this new weaponry, which would violate the existing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that Israel is leading a national effort to counter the drone threat and is regularly updating the United States on Hamas' violations and smuggling attempts. Defense Minister Israel Katz held a situation assessment with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and senior military officials, declaring that the ultimatum regarding balloon and kite launches from Gaza into southern Israeli communities has ended. Katz warned that any future launches would be met with severe responses, including targeting those responsible and the infrastructure used for such attacks.

Katz emphasized that every launch is considered an act of terrorism and that the IDF will use all necessary means, including evacuating populations from launch areas, to prevent renewed threats similar to those before October 7. Earlier, Netanyahu and Katz jointly denied reports about reopening the Erez crossing for goods, reiterating that Israel's policy remains unchanged: no reconstruction in Gaza before Hamas is fully disarmed.

Local leaders in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council reported multiple kite launches from Gaza, underscoring the ongoing threat and calling for a clear Israeli policy to identify and respond to such incursions in real time. Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Zamir toured the Gaza border with senior commanders, reaffirming Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas' military capabilities and maintaining pressure on its leadership.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not return to the pre-October 7 security situation and warned Hamas that continued attacks will provoke intensified IDF operations, including population evacuations and targeted strikes against those responsible for launching drones, balloons, and kites.

Points: - Israel fears Hamas is acquiring advanced drones via Egypt, violating Gaza ceasefire terms. - Netanyahu leads efforts to counter drone threats, coordinating daily with the US. - Defense Minister Katz warns of harsh responses to any balloon or kite launches from Gaza. - Israel denies reopening Gaza crossings, demanding Hamas disarmament before reconstruction. - Local officials report repeated kite attacks, urging real-time Israeli responses. - IDF Chief Zamir confirms ongoing campaign to dismantle Hamas' military power.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["Benjamin Netanyahu","Israel Katz","Eyal Zamir","Uri Epstein"],"organizations":["Hamas","IDF","Hezbollah","Prime Minister's Office"],"places":["Gaza Strip","Egypt","Lebanon","Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council","Erez crossing","Israel"]}