Five kites at Gaza border spark alarm in Israeli army, trigger cabinet dispute

Five kites intercepted at the Gaza border over the weekend have raised concerns among Israeli security units regarding the possibility of a new attack. Although it was stated that the kites did not carry explosives, the development turned into a heated argument between Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

According to information in the Israeli press, four kites were detected and intercepted near Kibbutz Nir Oz on Saturday, and one on Sunday. Following the incident, the Israeli army warned residents living in settlements near the Gaza border not to approach suspicious objects, including kites and balloons.

WHY DID THE KITES CAUSE ALARM?

According to Israel's Channel 12, the army is assessing whether Hamas might be testing a new method using kites. The report included suspicions that Israel's capacity to detect and respond to such objects might be being tested.

At the root of this concern are the incendiary or explosive-laden kites and balloons sent from Gaza to the Israeli side in past years. Although it was stated that the kites intercepted in the recent incidents did not carry explosives, the activity along the border line has moved to the top of Israel's security agenda.

GALLANT AND KATZ FACE OFF

Yoav Gallant, who was defense minister during the October 7, 2023, Al-Aqsa Flood attacks and Israel's subsequent attacks on Gaza, criticized the government over the latest developments. Gallant described Israel's position in Gaza as the "worst-case scenario."

"We are in the worst possible situation: half of the Gaza Strip is in Israel's hands, and half of the Gaza Strip is in Hamas's hands. Hamas is getting stronger and is now rising up again. Hamas is in power, and now the kite incidents are starting, and tomorrow something else will start."

Responding to Gallant's statements, current Defense Minister Israel Katz accused the former minister of allowing Hamas members to repeatedly approach the border fence before October 7. Katz said, "I am not Yoav Gallant, and I will not allow the repetition of the policies of the evening of October 7; neither from the air nor by allowing anyone to approach the fences."

Katz argued that they have established a "strong security zone" at the Gaza border together with the Israeli army. Stating that this zone aims to protect soldiers and settlements on the border, Katz said, "We will not allow anyone to cross this in any way."

News Source: 12punto