"It keeps me up at night": The new threat worrying the mayor of Sderot

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi has urgently appealed to the Defense Minister and the IDF top brass to prepare for the threat of an aerial incursion by swarms of drones and explosive drones from the Gaza Strip. Davidi demands dedicated warning systems, countermeasures, and guidelines for residents, expressing concern that protected spaces may not provide a solution.

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi sent an urgent letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and the commanders of the Southern Command and the Gaza Division, warning of a new threat: the infiltration of swarms of drones and explosive drones from the Gaza Strip into the city and the surrounding communities. Davidi demands the establishment of a dedicated warning system, deployment of drone countermeasures, and issuance of tailored defense guidelines. In his letter, titled "Urgent Strategic Alert," Davidi noted that over three years have passed since October 7 and the war is still ongoing. He referenced developments in the fighting in Ukraine, including the use of drones, and warned that the threat of high-trajectory fire is no longer the only one. One of his main concerns is the effectiveness of protected spaces against explosive drones: "It keeps me up at night, and I don't know if the fortified spaces in the city will provide a solution." Davidi presented three key demands: formulating Home Front Command guidelines, connecting to low-altitude detection systems, and deploying countermeasures. His appeal joins demands from 11 municipalities in the western Negev to address gaps in regional security.