Israel's Defence Minister Katz Alerts Military for October 7

On October 6, 2026, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the military has been put on high alert in anticipation of the October 7 anniversary of Hamas's attack in 2023. Katz's statement indicated that this decision was made due to intelligence suggesting Hamas may attempt further attacks against Israeli forces in Gaza on that date.

He warned that if Israeli forces were harmed, Hamas and the population of Gaza would face a "heavy price" as a consequence. The October 7, 2023 attack was noted as the deadliest day in Israel's history, resulting in 1,221 fatalities and 251 hostages taken into Gaza, with 44 confirmed dead.

In retaliation, Israel conducted a military offensive that devastated Gaza, leading to over 74,200 deaths according to Gaza's health ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a state ceremony marking three years since the attack, reiterated that there would be "no Hamas rule in Gaza" and vowed to continue targeting those involved in the attack or holding hostages.