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

Egypt's former intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, contacted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu days before the October 7th Hamas attack, warning of a potential offensive from the Gaza Strip, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal. This call was reportedly one of at least two Egyptian warnings conveyed to Israel prior to the attack, with the situation in Gaza described as "explosive."

Egyptian officials had previously alerted their Israeli counterparts in June 2023 about the volatile situation in Gaza and encouraged renewed negotiations with Hamas. In September, Kamel made a rare visit to Israel, delivering a more serious message that the situation could "explode in everyone's face." However, according to sources cited in the report, the Israeli side responded that the situation was under control.

Even after his visit, Kamel reportedly called Netanyahu's office in the days leading up to October 7th to issue another warning. Egyptian sources indicated that warnings continued to be delivered up to approximately 48 hours before the Hamas attack. These warnings, however, did not include specific details about the timing or scale of the planned assault.

The report also mentions a warning from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to Netanyahu in September 2023, who reportedly informed the Prime Minister of indications of an impending Hamas attack. Sources claim Netanyahu was not convinced by this warning, and again, no specific details on timing or scope were provided.

These claims emerge amid a series of recent U.S. publications regarding pre-October 7th warnings. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Kamel made a secret visit to Israel on September 26, 2023, eleven days before the attack, to convey a message about the danger of a severe escalation in Gaza. However, Netanyahu's office has denied these allegations, stating the Prime Minister did not meet or speak with Kamel in the months preceding the attack and did not receive any Egyptian warning about an impending assault.