Leaked Documents Reveal Netanyahu's Pre-Oct 7th Warnings and Actions

Newly revealed documents detail two crucial meetings Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held on the eve of the October 7th Hamas attack, amidst escalating warnings from regional actors. The first meeting, on September 27th, focused on de-escalation, with Netanyahu stating, "The Prime Minister determined that action must be taken to contain and reduce escalation, using intelligent and controlled force." He also emphasized strengthening responses to incendiary balloons and increasing humanitarian aid.

The second meeting, on October 1st, occurred as Israel was nearing a "historic peace agreement with Saudi Arabia." The directive was to "maintain a balanced level of security activity." These discussions took place despite explicit warnings, including one from former Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, who visited Israel on September 26th. Kamel reportedly warned of a large-scale Hamas operation, stating, "If you don't change course, Gaza is about to explode in your face." However, he did not provide specific details or a precise date for the attack.

Further reports indicate that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed personally warned Netanyahu about a Hamas attack. A "New York Times" report suggested Netanyahu received this warning but did not raise it during a security assessment meeting on October 1st. An Egyptian intelligence source told the Associated Press on October 9th, 2023, that Israel received a message about "something big" approximately ten days before the attack but focused its attention on the West Bank, downplaying the threat from Gaza.

The Prime Minister's office has previously denied these reports. The revelations add to a growing body of evidence suggesting Israel had advance knowledge of the impending attack, though the exact nature and timing remained unclear to decision-makers.