Why Does the IDF Treat Kites From Gaza as a Threat?

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Kites, a seemingly innocent children’s toy, have been used as a tool of terrorism before. Under the guise of a children’s activity gone astray, Hamas terrorists weaponized kites and balloons and flew them toward southern Israeli communities in 2018 and 2023. They caused damage to agricultural land, forests, wildlife and civilian infrastructure. This wave of weaponized kites and balloons constituted a new Hamas tactic to damage Israeli land and property.

Weaponized kites and fires near the border

Overall, the weaponized kites burned over thousands of acres, often with multiple fires breaking out simultaneously. In the summer months, the fires spread quicker and were harder to control, while causing damage worth millions of shekels. Notable fires spread in Kibbutz Be’eri, Kisufim Forest and the Besor Stream.

The aftermath of a fire in Kibbutz Be’eri, 2018

Recently, following directions from the political echelon, the IDF has increased alertness over incidents of kites crossing from Gaza into Israel. While these kites were not weaponized, past experience of fires and destruction have taught the IDF and members of local communities to take precautionary measures against any possible threat.

Context matters. The IDF’s intent is not to prevent Gazan children from playing with toys, but to protect local Israeli communities from a form of terrorism which had caused much suffering and damage in the past. The same kites which might bring up joyful childhood memories to most people will conjure images of out-of-control fires to members of these southern communities, while memories of the October 7 Massacre remain fresh.

Hamas’ Use of Civilian Cover for Terror

This behavior is not unusual for Hamas. The terrorist organizations in Gaza have a well-documented strategy of using the civilian population as human shields for terror activities against IDF troops and Israeli civilians. Weapons, terror manifestos and command centers were found hidden in and beneath all types of civilian infrastructure—schools, mosques, hospitals and homes.

Hamas does not care about Gazan civilians. It is an organization willing to put the people it claims to represent in danger, and take actions that put them in harm’s way. Hamas’ use of children’s toys for terror is abhorrent, and demonstrates its aim to hide its terror in order to distort public opinion and bypass IDF security measures.

The IDF acts with the intention of allowing southern communities to live in peace in their own homes, and will continue to protect Israeli civilians from terror along Israel’s border.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the IDF monitoring kites crossing from Gaza into Israel?

Hamas has used kites as a tool for terrorism in the past, igniting significant forest fires, causing widespread property damage and environmental destruction in Israel. Given this established threat, the IDF must take precautionary measures to identify and prevent any attempt to use them for attacks.

How did Hamas use kites and balloons against Israel?

Gazan terrorists weaponized kites and balloons and flew them toward southern Israeli communities. They caused damage to agricultural land, forests, wildlife and civilian infrastructure.

When were weaponized kites and balloons used against southern Israel?

There was a wave of these incidents in 2018 and 2023.