Israel has increased military and security readiness ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas massacre following intelligence that Hamas may be preparing attacks against Israeli forces in Gaza.
The Ministry of Defense said the heightened preparations were ordered “in light of intelligence regarding Hamas’s intentions to launch attacks against our forces in the area on that day.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for the most serious scenarios and respond forcefully to any attack.
“If, God forbid, our troops are harmed, Hamas and the population of Gaza will be the ones to pay a heavy price, beyond all proportion,” Katz said.
Concerns also include the possibility that Hamas could attempt to abduct Israeli soldiers. Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Director David Zini warned the Security Cabinet on Monday that the terrorist group is planning to kidnap troops, The Jerusalem Post reported Monday.
The increased alert comes three years after Hamas terrorists launched the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, the deadliest day in the country’s history.
Approximately 1,200 people were killed in the attack, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Terrorists also took 251 hostages into Gaza, including 44 who were already dead.