Israeli security officials have identified efforts by Hamas in recent weeks to acquire advanced fiber-optic drones through Egypt, raising concern that the terror group is attempting to bring into Gaza a capability previously used by Hezbollah against Israel from Lebanon, Channel 13 News reported.

The advanced drones were used by Hezbollah from Lebanon and caused casualties and damage along Israel’s northern border. Israeli officials now fear Hamas is seeking to obtain similar drones and bring them into the Gaza Strip.

The efforts were detected in recent weeks and have raised concern within Israel’s security establishment. Israeli officials say that if Hamas succeeds in acquiring the drones, it would be considered a violation of the agreement in Gaza.

The Prime Minister’s Office said in response that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leading a broad national effort aimed at making Israel the first country in the world to develop a solution to the drone threat.

“Israel updates the U.S. daily on Hamas violations and smuggling attempts,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Separately, Defense Minister Israel Katz held a situational assessment Thursday afternoon with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior IDF officials, during which he also addressed threats from Gaza.

“The ultimatum we issued following the launching of balloons and kites from the Gaza Strip toward communities in the Negev has ended,” Katz said. “Any launch of balloons and kites from Gaza toward communities in the south will be met with a harsh response.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)