Egyptian Intelligence Chief Warned Netanyahu of Gaza Attack, WSJ Reports

The head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, personally warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in early October 2023, days before the Hamas attack, about signs of an impending assault from the Gaza Strip, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Arab government officials. This was reportedly the third warning from Egypt, following earlier alerts in June and September. In June, Egyptian officials described the Gaza situation as "explosive," and in September, Kamel visited Israel stating the situation "could blow up in everyone's face." Israeli officials, according to WSJ sources, responded that the situation was under control. Concerned, Kamel then called Netanyahu in early October. Egypt continued to relay warnings up to 48 hours before the October 7th attack, though they lacked specific details on the timing, scale, or nature of the planned assault. The WSJ also reported that Netanyahu received a warning from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed in September 2023 about Hamas attack preparations but was reportedly not convinced of the threat's reality.

Following the WSJ report, Netanyahu's office issued a strong denial, calling the claim that Kamel personally warned him "false" and "misleading." The Prime Minister's office stated that this assertion was previously denied and is now being used to mislead the Israeli public. They reiterated that Egypt denied warning Israel about the Hamas attack on October 11, 2023. The Prime Minister's office maintained that Netanyahu did not meet or speak with Abbas Kamel in the months leading up to October 7th, and no Israeli intelligence official conveyed such a warning to the Prime Minister.