Netanyahu Warns Hamas of Increased Targeted Killings if Gaza Balloon and Drone Attacks Continue

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security briefing on Sunday evening to address the escalating threat posed by drones, balloons, and kites launched from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel. The meeting included Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, National Security Advisor Eyal Zamir, and senior military officials. Netanyahu warned Hamas that if these aerial attacks do not cease immediately, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will intensify targeted killings of those responsible and evacuate populations from areas prone to such launches.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not revert to the security situation before October 7, underscoring the government's commitment to preventing Hamas or any other Gaza-based group from threatening Israeli communities or undermining civilian security. He highlighted the growing danger posed by small drones, noting that even a household drone can become lethal when armed and deployed in swarms. Netanyahu also revealed that Israel has been developing advanced countermeasures against drone threats for several years, describing it as a global challenge seen in conflict zones like Ukraine, Lebanon, and Iran.

Defense Minister Katz instructed the IDF to act decisively and immediately against the launching of balloons, kites, and drones from Gaza. His directives include targeted eliminations of Hamas leaders and operatives involved in these attacks, clearing neighborhoods and regions in Gaza used for launches, and conducting robust offensive operations against terror infrastructure. Katz stressed that any such aerial attack will be treated as an act of war, with no tolerance for disruptions to life in southern Israel. The warnings followed reports of another kite detected near Kibbutz Kfar Aza and concerns over long wires attached to these devices, which residents fear could be used to test flight paths similar to Hezbollah tactics.