Israel puts army on maximum alert ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary

Israel placed its military on maximum alert before the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, closing Gaza crossings and warning residents over any attack on troops.

• Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the army onto maximum alert for any scenario, citing intelligence on Hamas plans to attack soldiers in Gaza.
• Katz warned that Gaza's residents will pay a heavy price, beyond all proportion, if Hamas targets Israeli forces.
• Israel will close crossings into Gaza and impose a full closure in the West Bank on Oct. 7, halting entry of new aid.
• Ground forces and the air force have raised readiness, with commanders ordered to stay in the field and troop movements restricted.
• Defense Minister Israel Katz said 4,000 of the Oct. 7, 2023 attackers have been killed, with 2,000 still alive.