Israel warns of 'forceful' response to kites flown from Gaza

Israel warned of a forceful response after four kites were recovered near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, situated roughly 800 m (2,620 ft) from the Gaza border, on Friday and Saturday, with additional kites found in southern Israel in the following days, according to local media. Israeli reports cited security sources saying they believed Hamas was behind the kites and that they might have been intended to test Israel’s response. The sources added that no suspicious materials were attached to the kites and that they did not pose a threat. Defense Minister Katz warned there would be “zero tolerance” and said “a balloon is treated similar a kite, and a kite is