Tel Aviv, Nov. 7 -- Israel is escalating its response to drone-based weapons smuggling along the Egypt border, with new rules of engagement, Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday.

"The smuggling of weapons using drones is part of the war in Gaza and is intended to arm our enemies--and all means must be taken to stop them," Katz said following an emergency meeting with army commanders and representatives of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), the National Security Council, and the Israel Police.

Katz instructed the army to change opening-fire instructions so forces may "harm any unauthorised party that penetrates the prohibited area" and to take more aggressive steps against operators and smugglers. The minister told part...