DM Katz orders IDF to respond 'immediately and with force' to Gaza balloon, kite and drone launches
Defense minister says every launch toward Israeli communities will be treated as an act of war, with orders to target organizers, operators and launch infrastructure
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to respond “immediately and with force” to any balloons, kites, or drones launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli communities in the western Negev.
Under Katz’s directive, the IDF is to take all necessary measures to prevent such launches from becoming a recurring phenomenon. This includes targeting Hamas leaders involved in organizing the launches, as well as the individuals operating the devices.
Katz also instructed the IDF to prepare for the evacuation of neighborhoods or areas from which the devices are launched and to take action against the infrastructure used to facilitate the launches.
“We consider every launch an act of war in every respect, and we are committed to ensuring the absolute defense of Israeli communities,” Katz said.
The defense minister stressed that Israel would make no distinction between the different types of devices used.
“A balloon is treated like a kite, and a kite like a drone, whether or not it is carrying explosives,” he said.
The directive follows the recent discovery of several kites believed to have been launched from Gaza and found near the Nahal Oz area. The incident raised concerns among local residents, who recalled the incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza in the years preceding the October 7 massacre.
Katz said the objective of the new directive is to prevent the return of such activity along the Gaza border.
“We will not allow a return to the reality that existed before October 7,” Katz said. “Anyone who organizes, launches, or permits these launches will be dealt with immediately and with the utmost severity.”