Egyptian Intelligence Chief Warned Netanyahu of Gaza Attack Before Oct. 7

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. In June 2023, Egyptian officials had alerted their Israeli counterparts that the situation in Gaza was becoming "explosive." Kamel visited Israel in September, stating that Gaza's situation "could blow up in everyone's face." However, Israeli officials, according to WSJ sources, responded that the situation was under control. This led Kamel to "become concerned," prompting his call to Netanyahu in early October. Egypt continued to relay warnings to Israel up to 48 hours before the October 7 attack, though the WSJ noted these warnings lacked specific details on the exact date, scale, or nature of the planned assault.

Additionally, WSJ sources indicated that Netanyahu received a warning from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed in September 2023 about signs of an impending Hamas attack, but was reportedly not convinced of the threat's reality. Netanyahu's office did not respond to WSJ inquiries about the conversation with Kamel. Previously, his office had denied that Netanyahu spoke with the Egyptian intelligence chief in the months leading up to October 7. The Egyptian and UAE foreign ministries also did not respond to the publication's requests for comment.