“The IDF is prepared for a number of scenarios and ready to protect the citizens and the sovereignty of Israel,” the army said.
Shorty after, the Defense Ministry announced that Advanced Defense Systems, the Iron Dome's developer, has successfully completed a series of tests on new developments to upgrade the Iron Dome system.
The series of tests was led by Rafael and was done in conjunction with Israel's defense industries, the Israel Aerospace Industries, mPrest Systems and with the participation of the Israeli Air Force and Navy.
"As part of the tests, several different types of threats were launched, simulating the threats developing in the arena," a statement about the tests said.
On Thursday, five fires broke out in different areas along the Gaza border as a result of the incendiary kites and balloons.
The largest fire was reported to have started in the Sycamore Reservoir near Kibbutz Zikim. Dozens of acres of eucalyptus trees were burned down and firefighting crews had great difficulty reaching the conflagration that spread rapidly and caused great damage to local agriculture.
Fires also broke out in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. No injuries or damage were reported.
Fires also broke out in the regional councils of Sdot Negev and Bnei Shimon, where electrical infrastructure was damaged by the blaze.
A fire was also reported near Moshav Tidhar and near Be'eri Forest.
In addition, a balloon with an explosive device attached to it was found in Sderot. A police sapper neutralized the device.