The IDF said an attack helicopter struck a Hamas target in the northern Gaza Strip late Thursday in response to the launch of incendiary balloons into Israeli territory earlier in the day.
Israeli police said the balloons touched down in southern Israel and a bomb squad was dispatched. Police said there was an explosion, but there were no injuries.
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The army said its airstrike targeted "infrastructure used for underground activities" by Gaza's ruling Hamas terrorist group. In Gaza, local reports said the airstrike hit an open area. There were no reports of injuries.
During more than a year and half of mass riots along the Israeli border that began in early 2018, Palestinians frequently launched incendiary balloons and kites into Israeli territory, torching large swaths of farmland.
The balloon launches were halted several months ago, while the violent demonstrations have been scaled back as Israel and Hamas try to implement an informal cease-fire brokered by international mediators.
Thursday's balloon launch appeared to reflect Hamas' unhappiness with the slow pace of the ceasefire efforts, which aim to ease an Israeli and Egyptian blockade of Gaza in return for calm along the volatile border.
On Wednesday night, four rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip and the IDF responded with airstrikes against Hamas facilities.
No casualties were reported on either side of the border.
Two of the projectiles launched from Gaza were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, the IDF said. Israel's Channel 13 television said the other two struck uninhabited areas.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility from the Gaza Strip.
A statement by the IDF did not accuse Hamas of launching the rockets but said that it holds the group responsible "for all events transpiring in the Gaza Strip."
