"Netanyahu is strong only when he talks [about Hamas]," Gantz tweeted. "Hamas' continued firing indicates they are not deterred. Only taking a heavy military stance will make it clear that the State of Israel not only speaks but also uses force," Gantz wrote.
At around 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday night the Iron Dome missile defense system alerted Israelis that rockets were launched from Gaza. In response, Israel shut down Gaza's fishing zone and struck Hamas targets early Thursday.
Culture Minister Miri Regev responded to Gantz, defending Netanyahu, and said, that in fact, Israel's efforts have deterred Hamas.
"If we had lost [the ability to deter] Hamas, they would have attacked us all the time, and we would have reacted to every event," Regev said. "Hamas and the Islamic Jihad understand that if they raise their heads too much, we will bring them down."
Since Wednesday, there have been 15 fires caused by incendiary balloons, launched from Gaza. There is no reported property damage.
Yvette J. Deane translated this article.