Israeli Defense Minister Warns of Strong Response to Gaza Balloon and Kite Attacks

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security briefing on Thursday addressing the recent increase in incendiary balloon and kite launches from Gaza into southern Israel. The meeting included IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, and other senior security officials. Katz declared that the ultimatum issued to Gaza had expired and emphasized that every balloon or kite launch would be treated as a terrorist act and met with a forceful response against those responsible, including the launch sites and infrastructure.

Katz stated that under the directives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and himself, the IDF would use all necessary means, including evacuating populations from areas used for launches, to eliminate terror threats. He warned that Hamas or any other group attempting to resume such attacks would pay a heavy price. A joint statement from Netanyahu and Katz clarified that there is no intention to open the Kerem Shalom crossing for goods, reaffirming Israel's policy that reconstruction in Gaza will not proceed until Hamas is disarmed and the territory fully demilitarized.

In recent weeks, numerous incendiary kites and balloons have crossed into Israel from Gaza, causing damage and escalating tensions. While a senior peace council official condemned the launches, he also criticized Israel for not fully adhering to ceasefire terms, urging restraint and limiting military responses to immediate threats. Meanwhile, local leaders in the western Negev, including Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council head Uri Epstein, demanded a stronger and more proactive security response, warning that the attacks are not isolated incidents and criticizing Israel's current reactive approach as Hamas regroups.