Israel on High Alert Ahead of October 7 Anniversary, Warns of Hamas Provocations
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel is on high alert for Hamas attacks on the October 7th anniversary.
- Defense Minister Katz warned Hamas of a disproportionate response to any harm to Israeli forces.
- Closures were ordered for Judea and Samaria and Gaza crossings on October 5th and 7th.
- Intelligence estimates 2,000 terrorists from the October 7th attack remain active.
- Security officials fear a potential multi-front incident involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Israel's security establishment and military forces are on high alert ahead of the anniversary of the October 7th attacks. Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to increase readiness for all possible scenarios in the southern sector, citing intelligence indicating Hamas's intentions to carry out attacks and provocations against Israeli forces in Gaza on that day. Katz emphasized that commanders on the ground must prepare for the most severe contingencies and act decisively against any suspicious intelligence or movement to thwart threats.
Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas leadership and Gaza residents, stating, "If, God forbid, there is an attack on our forces, Hamas and the population of Gaza will pay a disproportionate price." In parallel with the heightened alert, the Defense Minister ordered a general closure of the Judea and Samaria region and the Gaza crossings on October 5th and 7th, based on security assessments and the significance of the October 7th commemoration. Exceptions for crossings in Judea and Samaria will only be granted in rare cases with the approval of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.
During a cabinet meeting, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, revealed that out of approximately 6,000 terrorists who crossed into Israel on October 7th, about 4,000 have been eliminated, with 2,000 remaining. He assured the ministers that they would pursue every last one. Security officials also warned the cabinet of an increased risk of a multi-front incident, potentially erupting simultaneously in Gaza, Lebanon, Judea and Samaria, and even from Iran.
According to security assessments, Hamas maintains a high offensive readiness, with ongoing attempts to abduct soldiers and daily arms smuggling operations being thwarted. Shin Bet head David Zini added a clear warning that Hamas is exploring targeted attacks or abduction incidents, particularly around the upcoming election period or immediately thereafter. The head of the Operations Directorate updated that the campaign to clear tunnels is ongoing, with 95% of tunnels between the Green Line and the border having been cleared.
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