On 18 October 2023, the Austrian government raised the national terrorism alert level to the second-highest level 4, which indicates a specific dangerous situation and an increased risk of attack. The increase in the alert level follows a fatal shooting in Brussels, Belgium — which Belgian authorities deemed a terrorist attack — and amid the armed conflict between Israel and Gaza-based Hamas militants. Austrian officials have called for assistance from the military to ensure public safety and have plans to deploy 90 soldiers to the capital Vienna. Approximately 190 soldiers will work alongside police officers through the end of November. Authorities stated that while there have been no reports of a planned attack in Austria, increased vigilance against terrorist attacks remains necessary due to ongoing developments in Israel and Gaza.