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⚡️ Kites causing concern for Katz, Netanyahu warns about possible escalation
➡️ Israeli War Minister Israel Katz has directed the Israeli army to respond ‘immediately and with force’ to any balloons, kites or drones launched from Gaza toward the Jewish settlements in the western Negev region.
🔹 Under the directive, the military is instructed to take all necessary steps to prevent launches from becoming a recurring activity, which includes targeting Hamas officials supposedly involved in coordinating the launches, as well as those operating the devices.
🔹 Katz also ordered the army to prepare for possible evacuations of neighbourhoods or areas where the devices are launched and to target infrastructure used to support the activity: “We consider every launch an act of war in every respect, and we are committed to ensuring the absolute defence of Israeli communities,” Katz said.
🔹 The War Minister said Israel would not differentiate between the various types of devices being launched: “A balloon is treated like a kite, and a kite is treated like a drone, whether or not it is carrying explosives,” Katz added.
🔹 According to i24News, the order comes after several kites believed to have originated in Gaza were recently found near the Nahal Oz area: “We will not return to the reality that existed before October 7,’ Katz said: “Anyone who organises, launches, or permits these launches will be dealt with immediately and with the utmost impunity.”
➡️ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a joint statement with Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant on Sunday following a situation assessment meeting regarding the threat posed by drones, balloons, and kites from the Gaza Strip towards Israel.
🔹 The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi (head of the National Security Council), and senior Israeli Defence Forces officers.
🔹 Israel warned Hamas that if the launches toward Israel did not cease immediately, the IDF would take action to increase countermeasures against those responsible for the launches and would evacuate populations from areas where kites, drones, and balloons were launched.
🔹 The PM emphasised that Israel will not turn to the reality of October 7, echoing Katz’ comments that Israel will not allow Hamas or any other entity in the Gaza Strip to return and threaten settlements or undermine the sense of security of citizens, Yediot Ahronot reported.
