Israeli Defense Minister Katz Vows Harsh Response to Any Gaza Launches

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security briefing with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior defense officials to address the recent escalation along the Gaza border, specifically the launching of incendiary balloons and kites toward southern Israeli communities. Katz declared that the ultimatum Israel had set regarding these launches has expired, and from now on, every launch from Gaza will be met with a severe response targeting those responsible.

Katz emphasized that Israel views each launch as an act of terrorism and will respond accordingly. The response will not be limited to the individuals who carry out the launches but will also target organizers, infrastructure, and launch sites. Following directives from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and himself, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will employ various measures to thwart these attacks and damage terror infrastructure.

Among the measures Katz mentioned is the potential evacuation of civilian populations from areas used for launching attacks. He stated, "The IDF will use all necessary means, including evacuating populations from neighborhoods or areas used for launches, to address terror hubs." This statement comes amid concerns within Israel's security establishment about a gradual return to routine threats against southern communities.

Katz warned that Israel will not allow Hamas or other Gaza factions to reestablish a reality where attacks on southern Israeli towns become normalized. He said, "We will not permit Hamas or any other group to return to the methods of harassment and threats against southern communities as occurred before October 7. Anyone who does so will pay a heavy price." The security forces will continue monitoring developments on the ground and assess how Gaza terror groups respond to Israel's stern warnings. The clear message is that Israel's tolerance for incendiary balloon and kite attacks has ended.