Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Israel Raises Military Alert Ahead of October 7 Anniversary
Israel has put its military on high alert in Gaza before the third anniversary of the October 7 attack.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said intelligence suggested Hamas might attack Israeli troops that day.
He told the military to watch for warnings and prepare for possible developments.
Katz warned that Hamas and Gaza’s population would face a severe response if Israeli forces were hurt.
The reports say militants fired a rocket toward Netiv Ha’asara on the second anniversary.
They give different totals for people killed and taken hostage in the 2023 attack.
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza after the attack.
The reports also describe extensive destruction and deaths in Gaza.
Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israel Defence Forces to prepare for possible developments in Gaza ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack.
Katz said intelligence indicated Hamas might attack Israeli forces on the anniversary and urged the military to act on warnings.
He warned that Hamas and Gaza’s population would pay a “heavy price” if Israeli forces were harmed.
Militants fired a rocket toward Netiv Ha’asara on the second anniversary; one report says no rockets from Gaza have crossed into Israel since that incident.
Reports give different figures for the October 7 attack: around 1,200 or 1,221 people killed, and more than 240 or 251 hostages taken.
- Who
- Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz and the Israel Defence Forces; Hamas is identified as a possible threat.
- What
- Israel raised military readiness in Gaza and warned of a severe response if Israeli forces were harmed.
- When
- Ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack.
- Where
- The Gaza Strip; the earlier rocket was fired toward Netiv Ha’asara.
- Why
- Katz cited intelligence about possible Hamas attacks against Israeli forces on the anniversary.
Israeli security rationale
Reported impact in Gaza
Military readiness and threatened response
Israeli security rationale
Katz cited intelligence about possible Hamas attacks and ordered the IDF to prepare and act on warnings.
Reported impact in Gaza
Katz warned that Gaza’s population as well as Hamas would pay a heavy price if Israeli forces were harmed; the reports also describe extensive destruction and deaths in Gaza.
- Defence minister
- Israel Katz
- Military
- Israel Defence Forces (IDF)
- Anniversary
- Third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack
- Threat cited
- Katz said intelligence indicated Hamas might attack Israeli forces in Gaza.
- Earlier rocket incident
- Militants in Gaza fired a rocket toward Netiv Ha’asara on the second anniversary.
- October 7 death toll
- One report says around 1,200 people were killed; another gives an AFP tally of 1,221.
- Hostages
- One report says more than 240 people were taken hostage; another reports 251.
- Reported Gaza toll
- Gaza’s Health Ministry reported more than 74,200 people killed in Israel’s military offensive.
