Israeli defense chief renews threat to punish Gaza for flying kites

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Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 07, 2026. [Israeli Ministry of Defense - Anadolu Agency]https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AA-20260307-40759630-40759629-KATZ_MEETS_ISRAELI_MILITARY_CHIEFS_FOR_SECURITY_ASSESSMENT-1-1-1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="1200" />
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday renewed his threat to expel Palestinians from any area in the Gaza Strip from which kites or balloons were being flown, Anadolu reports.

Katz made the threat during a high-level security meeting with army chief Eyal Zamir, the head of Israeli air defense, and other top military officials, according to a statement released by his office.

Katz said the warning was issued after balloons and kites were flown from areas inside the Gaza Strip.

Katz warned that the flying of kites or balloons would be met with a “firm response” against those responsible and against areas from which they were being flown. “Based on the instructions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and my […]

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