Four kites found near Gaza border

Four kites, believed to have crossed from the Gaza Strip, were discovered in the Kibbutz Nahal Oz area within the past 24 hours, according to the IDF's confirmation on Saturday. The military emphasized that no suspicious items were found on the kites, and the public remained safe. However, concerns arose that such objects could potentially signal a visible escalation, with incendiary balloons or rockets possibly following.

Gaza Border community officials, including Uri Epstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, demanded a more robust response from the IDF. Epstein urged the IDF to locate and address any kites entering Israeli territory immediately, rather than waiting until they have landed or been deemed a threat later. This demand comes after October 7, when the IDF's response was deemed insufficient.

The Atid LaOtef movement also cautioned against dismissing the kites as harmless, stressing that they should be thoroughly investigated. "Four kites in less than 24 hours join a series of similar incidents in recent weeks," the movement warned. "Against the backdrop of developments in the Gaza Strip, the defense establishment must examine the phenomenon as a whole and determine who is behind it and for what purpose."

MK Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beytenu echoed these concerns, stating that anyone permitting explosive balloons and kites would receive rockets and missiles. He drew parallels to the situation prior to the October 7 massacre, emphasizing that the government has learned nothing and is leading towards another catastrophe.