Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Israel Warns Hamas Over Gaza Kites, Balloons and Drones
Israeli leaders met to discuss kites, balloons and drones launched from Gaza toward Israel.
Several kites were found near Israeli communities along the Gaza border.
Israel warned Hamas that the launches must stop immediately.
Israel said its military could carry out more targeted strikes against the people responsible.
It also said people could be evacuated from places used as launch sites.
Israeli officials said there would be no return to the situation before October 7.
Israel says its forces will stay in their current Gaza positions until Hamas is disarmed.
Separate working groups are expected to discuss disarmament, clean water, sanitation and public health in Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz held a security assessment on launches from Gaza toward Israel.
Israel demanded that Hamas immediately stop launching drones, balloons and kites toward Israeli communities.
Israel warned it would increase targeted strikes against those responsible if the launches continue.
Israel said it could evacuate areas used to launch the objects and adopt a zero-tolerance policy.
Israeli officials are also planning working groups on Gaza’s disarmament, public health and reconstruction conditions.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz, senior Israeli Defence Forces officials and Hamas.
- What
- Israel warned of increased targeted strikes and possible evacuations if launches of drones, balloons and kites from Gaza continue.
- When
- The security assessment took place on Sunday; the working groups were announced the previous week, and Netanyahu made a further statement on August 5.
- Where
- The objects were launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel, including communities in the Negev and along the Gaza border.
- Why
- Israel said the measures are intended to protect its territory, communities and citizens from renewed security threats.
- Israeli officials
- Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz led the situational assessment.
- Threat discussed
- Drones, balloons and kites launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel.
- Israeli response
- Israel warned of increased targeted strikes against those responsible for the launches.
- Possible evacuation
- Israel said it could evacuate areas used as launch sites.
- Policy language
- A separate report described Israel’s planned approach as one of zero containment and zero tolerance for objects directed toward Negev communities.
- Gaza working groups
- One group will address disarmament and demilitarization, while another will focus on sanitation, clean water and public health.
- Israeli military positions
- Netanyahu said Israeli forces will not withdraw from their current positions in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed.
