Netanyahu Denies Reports of Warnings Before Oct. 7, Blames Shin Bet Chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp clarification on Sunday, unequivocally denying reports that he had received warnings or held conversations with the former head of Egyptian General Intelligence, Abbas Kamel, in the months leading up to the October 7th attack. Netanyahu stated that no Israeli intelligence official conveyed such a warning to him and announced his intention to file defamation lawsuits against those who published the reports. He emphasized that an Israeli prime minister never speaks with foreign intelligence chiefs without their Israeli counterparts present.

The Prime Minister's Office directed blame towards security system failures on the night of the attack. They claim that the then-Shin Bet chief, Ronen Bar, held discussions with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and head of Military Intelligence Aharon Haliva, during which they discussed warning signs. However, they allege Bar chose to withhold information from the prime minister.

According to the statement, Bar did not update Netanyahu, did not alert emergency response teams and forces in the field, and even prevented the evacuation of the Nova music festival. The Prime Minister's Office claims Bar sent only a small "Tequila" team, indicating he was aware of the imminent danger.

Netanyahu also asserted that foreign and hostile elements, along with Arab states, are behind these reports and the public campaign. Their alleged goal is to bring down the right-wing government and establish a left-wing government led by Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, and Avigdor Lieberman, which would advance a broad withdrawal and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He concluded that the upcoming election presents voters with a clear choice between the continuation of right-wing rule and the establishment of a Palestinian state.