It's closer than you think

Logic Level 5

$\LARGE 1 \ \ \ \ \ 2 \ \ \ \ \ 3 \ \ \ \ \ 4 \ \ = \ \ 1000$

Without touching the right side of the equation, find a way to make the equation above true. You are only allowed to use mathematical operators like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and parenthesis, percentage, and factorials only.

With your answer, define $N$ as the least amount of mathematical operators used. Find $N$ .

Details and Assumptions:

As an explicit example, if the equation $1 \div (2 + 3)^{4!}= 1000$ is true, then you have used 4 operators: one division, one addition, one parenthesis, one factorial. In this case, $N=4$ .
You can combine the digits as well. i.e.: $12 +34$ .
You must keep the digits in order (from left to right). $1+2+3\times4$ is valid while $1+2-4\div3$ is not valid.
BODMAS applied.
You need a number before the percentage sign. For example. $1234 + \%$ is invalid while $123 + 4\%$ is valid.
Exponentiation is allowed.