Netanyahu, Katz threaten to ‘intensify strikes’ on those launching kites from Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz warn Hamas that the IDF will “intensify strikes” against those responsible for launching kites from Gaza toward Israeli border communities, and evacuate areas of the Strip.

Netanyahu and Katz held an assessment this evening with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other top military and defense officials on the recent kites.

Over the weekend, at least four kites flown from Gaza landed in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The army said nothing suspicious was found on the kites and there was no danger to the public, but many have associated the objects with Gazan kites and balloons carrying incendiary devices that plagued southern Israel in previous years.

“Israel warns Hamas that if the launches toward Israel do not stop immediately, the IDF will act to intensify strikes against those responsible for the launches and evacuate populations from areas from which kites, drones and balloons are launched,” Netanyahu and Katz say in a joint statement.