Egyptian Intelligence Chief Warned Israel of Hamas Attack Threat

Egypt's intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, visited Israel on September 26, 2023, eleven days before the Hamas attack, to warn Israeli officials about the risk of a major escalation in Gaza. The report from The Atlantic detailed Kamel's brief visit to Ben Gurion Airport, where he met with unnamed senior Israeli representatives. During the meeting, Kamel urged Jerusalem to change its approach to prevent a serious conflict, specifically recommending that Israel provide Hamas with additional economic concessions.

However, Kamel did not provide the exact date of a potential attack or reveal details about its preparation. The report also did not specify how Israeli officials responded to the warning. This revelation follows earlier reports that Egypt had repeatedly cautioned Israel about Hamas preparing for "something large-scale."

Despite the report, Prime Minister Netanyahu's office denied that the Prime Minister had received a personal warning from Kamel. Furthermore, former National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi told The Atlantic that Kamel did not visit Israel on September 26 and that Egypt had not conveyed such a warning to him.