Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday ordered the IDF to heightened alert and to prepare for all possible scenarios in the Gaza Strip ahead of the October 7 anniversary, which falls tomorrow. According to his office, the directive was issued following intelligence indicating Hamas intends to attempt attacks and terror operations against IDF forces in Gaza on the anniversary.
Katz emphasized that forces must prepare for the worst and act with maximum force against any intelligence or warning in order to thwart threats. He said the preparations are in addition to the intensive operations already underway. The Defense Minister's office did not specify what the intelligence included or what operational steps have been taken in response.
Addressing the possibility of an attack on Israeli forces, Katz stated: "If, G-d forbid, our forces are harmed, those who will pay the heavy price are Hamas and the population of Gaza, beyond all proportion." He added that the Prime Minister and Defense Minister made this clear during their visit this week to the Kisufim outpost on the Gaza border, together with the commander of the Southern Command.
The directive to the IDF was issued ahead of the first anniversary of the October 7 events, against the backdrop of concern over Hamas attempts to strike forces operating in the Strip. According to the Defense Minister's office, the preparations are designed to enable a response to any intelligence or warning and to thwart any threat. Katz called for acting with force against warnings, alongside the operations taking place in the field in recent days. The statement did not provide additional details about the content of the intelligence received or the nature of the forces' preparations.
