Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting that Hamas will attempt an attack ahead of Israel’s elections in three weeks, as the country prepares to mark three years since the October 7 massacre.

“Precisely because Hamas is so weak, it will try to challenge us with what remains of its strength ahead of the elections, in order to try to influence them,” Netanyahu said. “We are prepared for this. First of all, we will thwart such attempts, and in any case we will respond with tremendous force if they make that mistake.”

He added: “I say to all our enemies: look at what we did to you on seven fronts in the War of Redemption. Don’t mess with us.”

Israel’s National Security Council also issued a warning to Israelis, stating: “There is a heightened risk of attempted attacks against Israelis and Jews abroad, alongside demonstrations and disturbances. The terror organizations, led by Iran and its proxies, Hamas and global jihad elements, view this date as a significant milestone.”

The NSC is asking the Israeli public to:

• Avoid posting travel plans or movements abroad on social media in advance
• Avoid travel to destinations under a Level 4 travel warning: Jordan, Qatar, Somaliland and Egypt, including the Sinai Peninsula
• Limit speaking Hebrew in crowded places