Katz Orders IDF to Act Forcefully Against Balloon and Kite Launches from Gaza

Jerusalem, 23 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to act forcefully against the launching of balloons, kites, or drones from Gaza toward Israeli communities near the Gaza border, and to take all necessary measures to prevent such launches, including eliminating Hamas leaders responsible for the launches and those carrying them out, evacuating neighborhoods from which launches are conducted, and targeting the local terrorist infrastructure.

“We view every launch as an act of war in every respect. Anyone who organizes, carries out, or facilitates these launches will be dealt with immediately and with the utmost severity,” Katz said.

Four terrorist kites were reported to have landed in Israeli territory over the weekend after being launched from the Gaza Strip. The IDF spokesperson’s unit noted on Saturday that “a kite was identified in the area of Kibbutz Nahal Oz,” and that, “during searches conducted by troops in the area this morning, three additional kites were identified.”

For years, kite and incendiary-balloon terrorism from the Gaza Strip caused extensive damage in the communities surrounding Gaza, with massive fires destroying thousands of acres of forests, natural woodland and agricultural fields.