IDF Resumes Targeted Strikes After Hamas Resumes Incendiary Kite Attacks from Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet revealed that Hamas has been conducting security interrogations and torture at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. According to Southern Command sources, the IDF has thwarted 21 targeted individuals in Gaza over the past two weeks, including senior field commanders, with the latest airstrike occurring early morning. Southern Command Chief Major General Yaniv Asor has led a clear policy of targeted killings focusing on those involved in the October 7 massacre, especially those who crossed the border or pose immediate terror threats.

About a week ago, an IDF strike in Gaza killed nine Palestinians. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE pressured the US to halt targeted killings in Gaza. Responding to US demands and fears of derailing ceasefire talks, Israel initially stopped these strikes. However, political pressure led to a decision to resume targeted killings on a case-by-case basis with approval from the IDF Chief of Staff and political leadership.

Hamas exploited the pressure on Israel by renewing incendiary kite launches toward Israel, a sensitive issue in western Negev communities due to past fires and damage. The IDF initially showed restraint to assess if this was a trend or isolated incidents. Hamas then escalated by launching six kites within 48 hours that landed in Israeli territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz convened an urgent meeting with senior military officials, ordering a response to the kite attacks.

The response involved gradually reinstating targeted killings. Military sources assess Hamas acted recklessly, attempting to impose a new security reality by challenging the "yellow line" with activists trying to cross it, naval provocations, and establishing terror infrastructure near the border. The kite launches were seen as a symbolic first step before deploying drones. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir concluded at the latest General Staff forum that the response to kite attacks would be a return to targeted killings and a firm stance against any attempts to challenge the IDF.