Israel must remember the danger carried by Gaza kites, Hamas dictating tempo at border – editorial

Incendiary kites and balloons have reappeared over the Gaza border, prompting concerns among Israeli residents and officials. This tactic, previously used by Hamas to harass southern Israel, led to widespread fires and destruction before October 7. While none of the at least six kites recovered recently contained explosives, and the IDF believes Palestinian youth are launching them, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have warned Hamas of increased Israeli responses if launches continue. Katz stated, "a balloon is treated like a kite, and a kite is treated like a drone," emphasizing that Israel will not return to pre-October 7 realities. Uri Epstein, head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, highlighted the danger, stating that waiting to determine if a kite contains explosives means the question is answered "too late." The article stresses that Israel must prevent this from becoming a larger trend, asserting that Hamas should face consequences for organized launch sites.