Israel Warns Hamas of Escalation Over Gaza-Launched Drones, Balloons and Kites.
Jerusalem:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have warned Hamas of tougher military action if the launching of drones, balloons and kites from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli territory does not stop immediately.
According to the joint announcement, Netanyahu and Katz held a security assessment attended by IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the head of Israel’s National Security Council and senior Israel Defense Forces officials. The meeting focused on what Israel described as an emerging threat from aerial devices launched from Gaza toward communities inside Israel.
Katz has separately said that the Israeli military would act forcefully against those responsible for the launches, including Hamas leaders and operatives allegedly involved in organizing or carrying them out. He also warned that Israel could evacuate residents from neighborhoods and areas used as launching points before taking military action.
Netanyahu and Katz said Israel would not accept a return to the security situation that existed before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Netanyahu stressed that Israel would not allow Hamas or any other organization in Gaza to again threaten Israeli communities or undermine the security of Israeli citizens.
The warning comes amid renewed tensions along the Gaza-Israel frontier. Recent reports have said kites and balloons launched from Gaza reached areas near Israeli communities, although some reported devices were not carrying explosives.
The latest Israeli threat also comes as fighting and airstrikes continue despite the broader ceasefire framework established in October 2025. Reuters reported Sunday that Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least two people, including a four-year-old child, according to Palestinian health officials.
Israel has previously used evacuation warnings as part of its military operations in Gaza, saying such measures are intended to move civilians away from areas where it plans to conduct strikes.
The latest statement signals that Jerusalem is prepared to escalate targeted military operations if the aerial launches from Gaza continue.
