Israel Marks October 7 Anniversary Amid High Military Alert
Israel commemorates the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks as Defence Minister Israel Katz places the military on high alert to prevent Hamas operations.
Israelis marked the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks with memorials at homes, roadsides, and the Nova festival site. The commemorations occur as the country prepares for its first election since the start of the war, with voters expected to express frustration through the ballot box this month.
Israel Katz, the Defence Minister, placed the military on high alert on Tuesday following intelligence that Hamas intends to carry out terror operations against Israeli forces in Gaza. Katz warned that if Israeli forces are harmed, Hamas and the population of Gaza will pay a price that is "beyond all proportion."
During a state ceremony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that there would be "no Hamas rule in Gaza" and pledged to continue targeting those involved in the original attack or those holding hostages. The initial October 7 attack resulted in 1,221 deaths and the abduction of 251 hostages, sparking a military offensive that has killed over 74,200 people in Gaza.
Diplomatically, Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman called for a reset of relations with Australia to return to a "traditional friendship." Relations have strained following the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in an Israeli drone strike. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong continues to press Israel for justice after the Israel Defense Forces declined to pursue criminal proceedings.
