Katz Orders IDF Crackdown on Gaza Balloon and Drone Launches

Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to act immediately and forcefully against the launch of balloons, kites, or drones from the Gaza Strip toward communities in the western Negev. According to a statement from his office, the directive includes taking action against those responsible for the launches, those carrying them out, and the infrastructure used for this activity.

The Defense Minister's Office made clear that, under the directive, the IDF is required to take all necessary measures to prevent the phenomenon. Among other things, it cited targeted strikes against Hamas leaders responsible for the launches and against those carrying them out, as well as evacuating neighborhoods and areas from which launches are conducted and acting against terrorist infrastructure there. Katz made clear that, in his view, there is no difference between the various launch methods and that every such incident will be treated seriously.

The defense minister said: "I have instructed the IDF to act immediately and forcefully against every instance of launches from Gaza toward communities in the western Negev." He went on to stress that Israel will view every launch from the Gaza Strip as an act of war: "We see every launch as an act of war in every respect, and we are committed to the absolute defense of Israeli communities," he said.

The defense minister also specifically addressed balloons and kites, alongside drones, making clear that Israel's response will not depend on whether they carry explosives: "A balloon is treated like a kite, and a kite is treated like a drone, with or without explosives."

According to Katz's statement, the directive is not limited to action against those who physically carry out the launches, but also applies to those who organize them or enable them. Accordingly, the IDF was instructed to act against Hamas leaders responsible for the activity as well as terrorist infrastructure in the areas from which the launches are carried out.

The defense minister concluded with a warning: "We will not allow a return to the reality that existed before October 7, and anyone who organizes, launches, or enables the launches will be dealt with immediately and with the full severity of the law."