Katz Rejects Gallant's Criticism Over Gaza Kite Attacks

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp rebuke Monday to his predecessor Yoav Gallant, after Gallant claimed in a radio interview that the return of incendiary kites from Gaza demonstrates "clear evidence of the government's failure to dismantle Hamas." Katz emphasized that he would not permit Hamas to continue launching kites and balloons from the Gaza Strip.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to adopt a policy of zero tolerance and zero containment toward the launching of kites and balloons from Gaza to Negev communities," Katz stated. "If the launches continue, forceful action will be taken to end the phenomenon. A balloon or kite is treated the same as a drone, with or without explosives."

Katz then directly contrasted his approach with Gallant's tenure. "I am not Yoav Gallant, and I will not allow the policies of October 6th to repeat themselves, not from the air and not through approaches to the fence," he said. "Unlike the repetitive raid method he led during the war, which allowed Hamas to return again and again to the same locations, we worked together with the IDF and built a strong security zone cleared of residents and terror infrastructure, with the IDF controlling the territory to protect both soldiers and communities and we will not allow it to be bypassed in any way."

Earlier Monday, Gallant told Radio 103FM that the kites discovered in communities near Gaza represent "clear evidence of the government's failure to dismantle Hamas, which was the most important war objective. The fact that this has been met with no Israeli response is no less concerning. It means we are restrained in our reaction. The result is that Hamas remains in power. Now kite incidents are starting, and tomorrow something else will begin. This is a very grim situation."

Gallant also launched a personal attack on Katz, saying: "When a defense minister requests a safe seat on the party list, it says what he thinks of his achievements. A defense minister who succeeds in his role is naturally elected in first, second, or third place. I think his achievements reflect what he thinks of himself." The comment referred to internal Likud party positioning ahead of potential elections.