IDF Chief Orders Increased Targeted Killings Amid Rising Gaza Kite Attacks Before Elections

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued a warning against political attempts to drag the military into pre-election confrontations. Security officials stressed that ongoing terrorist activities in the Gaza Strip are disrupting the Palestinian public's indifference. In response to continued kite attacks from Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has instructed forces to intensify retaliatory measures and targeted killings.

This warning comes amid sustained security tensions and demands for the IDF to prepare a war plan against the Palestinian Authority if a "regime change" occurs. Recently, additional incendiary kites were found in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council area near Gaza, following four similar incidents over the weekend. Concurrently, Palestinians reported an IDF strike on a desalination facility in northern Gaza City.

Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council head Uri Epstein criticized Israel's current reactive policy, calling for a clear and decisive approach to immediately identify and neutralize any objects crossing from Gaza into Israeli territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after a security briefing with Zamir and senior officials, vowed that Israel would not return to the pre-October 7 reality and warned Hamas against continuing attacks. He emphasized that the IDF would escalate operations against those responsible and evacuate areas used for launching kites, drones, and balloons.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered the IDF to act forcefully against kite launches, including targeting Hamas leaders responsible, evacuating neighborhoods used for attacks, and dismantling terror infrastructure. Gallant declared every launch a military act, promising immediate and severe responses to organizers and perpetrators.