# Katz orders pursuit of remaining October 7 attackers

Date: 2026

On 5 October 2026, Israeli Defence Minister [Israel Katz](/people/israel-katz) said Israeli forces had killed about 4,000 of roughly 6,000 people whom Israeli authorities said crossed from Gaza during the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attack. Katz said about 2,000 remained. Citing figures presented by Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, he said he and Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu](/people/benjamin-netanyahu) had instructed the military and other security bodies to kill all those who took part, "without limitation and under any circumstances," from senior figures to junior participants.

The Times of Israel noted that earlier Israeli military estimates had put the number who crossed the border at about 5,600, with 1,200 to 1,600 killed inside Israel during the attack. The newer total therefore reflects an updated Israeli assessment rather than an independently verified count. Katz's statement is a direct ministerial instruction to continue lethal pursuit during the ceasefire period. The order does not itself determine the legal status of every person placed on Israel's list, and subsequent operations remain subject to applicable law and civilian-protection obligations.

## People

- Israel Katz: https://factrail.ai/people/israel-katz

## Drivers

- Military Escalation Risk: https://factrail.ai/drivers/military-escalation-risk

## Sources

- https://www.timesofisrael.com/katz-idf-has-killed-two-thirds-of-oct-7-perpetrators-will-eliminate-remaining-2000/

## Methodology

https://factrail.ai/methodology

Canonical: https://factrail.ai/facts/il-katz-orders-hunt-for-remaining-october-7-attackers-2026-10-05