Katz warns Hamas of disproportionate response on Oct. 7 anniversary

Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to heightened alert status in the Gaza Strip ahead of the October 7 anniversary, which falls tomorrow (Wednesday). The directive comes following intelligence indicating that Hamas intends to carry out attacks and provocations against Israeli forces operating in the Strip on the anniversary date.

Katz instructed commanders in the field to prepare for maximum severity and take no risks. The Defense Minister made clear that forces must act with great strength and immediately on any intelligence, warning or suspicious movement in order to thwart any threat, beyond the intensive operational activity already being conducted across all sectors.

Alongside the operational directives, Katz issued a sharp and unequivocal warning to Hamas leaders and Gaza residents: "If, G-d forbid, our forces are harmed — Hamas and the population of Gaza will pay a heavy price, and we are talking about a price that will be beyond all proportion."

The Defense Minister's office emphasized that Katz ordered field commanders to prepare with maximum severity. In parallel with the increased alert, the Defense Minister imposed a general closure on Judea and Samaria and ordered the closure of Gaza crossings on October 5 and 7. The decision was made in accordance with the security assessment and against the backdrop of the October 7 commemoration days. According to the directive, exceptions for crossings in Judea and Samaria will be granted only in exceptional cases and subject to approval by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.

At yesterday's (Monday) security cabinet meeting, exactly three years after the largest massacre in the history of the State of Israel, IDF Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder revealed a significant figure: of approximately 6,000 terrorists who crossed the fence that Shabbat morning, some 4,000 have already been eliminated. "2,000 remain," the Intelligence Chief told ministers, "and we will reach the last of them. We will not let up."

Security officials warned the cabinet of heightened concern for a "multi-arena event", a simultaneous outbreak in Gaza, Lebanon, Judea and Samaria and even from Iran. According to security assessments, Hamas continues to maintain high offensive readiness, with attempts to kidnap soldiers from outposts and daily weapons smuggling that are being thwarted.

Shin Bet chief David Zini added a clear warning: Hamas is examining pinpoint attacks or kidnapping incidents, particularly around the election period or immediately after. The IDF Chief of Staff updated that the campaign to clear the tunnels is in full swing: 95% of the tunnels between the Yellow Line and the border have already been cleared.