Story perspectives

Netanyahu Warns Hamas Could Attack Before October 27 Election

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 2:02 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas may launch attacks before the October 27 election.
Defense Minister Israel Katz raised Gaza alert level and ordered preparation for worst-case scenarios.
Israeli intelligence briefed leaders that Hamas is recruiting, digging tunnels and stockpiling weapons for a possible Gaza offensive.
Netanyahu said Israel controls about two-thirds of Gaza and has eliminated 4,000 of 6,000 Hamas attackers.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon executed the unilateral Gaza disengagement, withdrawing 21 settlements and 8,000 soldiers. The move left the Palestinian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas controlling the West Bank while Hamas seized Gaza, later launching over 4,000 rockets by 2014. Today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns Hamas of renewed attacks before the October 27 election, echoing fears that disengagement empowered militant expansion. Analysts expect Israel Defense Forces and Defense Minister Israel Katz to tighten Gaza alert levels, mirroring the 2006 security overhaul after the disengagement’s fallout.

1 of 2

Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas may launch attacks before the October 27 election.
Defense Minister Israel Katz raised Gaza alert level and ordered preparation for worst-case scenarios.
Israeli intelligence briefed leaders that Hamas is recruiting, digging tunnels and stockpiling weapons for a possible Gaza offensive.
Netanyahu said Israel controls about two-thirds of Gaza and has eliminated 4,000 of 6,000 Hamas attackers.

1 / 2