Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has instructed the army to take stringent measures against the launch of balloons, kites, and drones from the Gaza Strip targeting towns in the border region.
According to Katz's office, the directives include "targeting Hamas leaders responsible for organizing and executing these launches, evacuating neighborhoods and areas where these devices are launched from, and targeting the group's infrastructure in those regions."
Katz stated, "We consider every launch as an act of war in every sense of the word, and anyone who organizes, executes, or permits these launches will be dealt with immediately and with utmost firmness."