Egyptian Intelligence Chief Warned Israel of Impending Disaster Days Before Oct. 7
A comprehensive report by The Atlantic has revealed new details regarding intelligence failures preceding the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. On September 26, 2023, just 11 days before the assault, the then-Director-General of Egyptian General Intelligence, Abbas Kamel, arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on a private jet for an urgent and sensitive mission in Israel.
According to the report, which cites Israeli, Egyptian, Arab, American, and European sources briefed on the visit after the attack, Kamel delivered a direct and detailed warning: Hamas was organizing and mobilizing for a major offensive from Gaza, and the "window of opportunity to prevent disaster is closing."
The report highlights the historical irony that on the very same day, Israeli leaders were convening in Jerusalem to mark the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. Approximately two hours after Kamel's landing, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the gathering, referencing the 1973 surprise attack as a cautionary tale against underestimating enemies and ignoring intelligence signals, stating, "We do not underestimate any threat."
The investigation underscores a series of intelligence warnings conveyed to Jerusalem by regional actors in the days leading up to the attack, which ultimately did not lead to a change in preparedness on the ground.
