Defense Minister’s Office:

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to act forcefully against the launching of balloons, kites, or drones from Gaza toward communities near the Gaza border, and to take all necessary measures to prevent such activity.

This includes targeting Hamas leaders responsible for the launches as well as those carrying them out, evacuating neighborhoods and areas from which launches are conducted, and taking action against terrorist infrastructure there: “We regard every launch as an act of war in every respect, and anyone who organizes, launches, or enables these launches will be dealt with immediately and with the utmost severity.”

“I have instructed the IDF to act immediately and forcefully against any launches from Gaza toward communities in the western Negev.

We regard every launch as an act of war in every respect and are committed to the absolute defense of Israeli communities. A balloon will be treated the same as a kite, and a kite the same as a drone—with or without explosives.

We will not allow a return to the reality that existed before October 7, and anyone who organizes, launches, or enables these launches will be dealt with immediately and with the utmost severity.”