Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz Warn Hamas Over Drone and Balloon Attacks from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security briefing on Sunday evening to address the ongoing threat posed by drones, balloons, and kites launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel. The meeting included IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the National Security Advisor, and senior military officials. Netanyahu and Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that if these launches do not cease immediately, the Israel Defense Forces will intensify operations to neutralize those responsible and evacuate populations from areas targeted by these airborne devices.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not revert to the security situation prior to October 7 and will not allow Hamas or any other Gaza-based group to threaten Israeli communities or undermine citizens' sense of security. Earlier, Netanyahu released a video highlighting the dangers of drones, noting their lethality especially when deployed in swarms, and underscored Israel's advanced efforts to counter this global threat. He cited examples of drone use in Ukraine, Lebanon, and Iran, warning that Hamas is attempting to introduce this capability into Gaza.

The prime minister instructed the security establishment and the IDF to do everything possible to combat this new threat in the southern sector, including targeting the drones, their operators, and launch sites to protect Israeli civilians in the Gaza border region and beyond.