Israeli Defense Minister: Ordered to counter balloon and kite launches from Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that he had ordered the military to take robust action to counter the launch of balloons, kites, and drones from Gaza toward settlements adjacent to the Gaza Strip, and to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents. He added that these measures would include “targeting Hamas leaders responsible for the launch operations and their perpetrators, evacuating neighborhoods and areas from which launch operations are conducted, and acting against the terrorist infrastructure in those locations.” The Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister held a meeting with military commanders to discuss “the threat posed by drones and kites from Gaza,” according to Netanyahu’s office. Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Tel Aviv would not return to the pre-October 7, 2023 reality, and would not allow any entity in Gaza to threaten Israeli communities or undermine security, he said. Over recent days, Hebrew media reported the landing of several kites, allegedly launched from Gaza toward settlements bordering the Palestinian territory, noting that these kites were not carrying explosive materials.