Netanyahu Sues Over Claims of Egyptian Warning Before Oct. 7 Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied receiving any warnings from Egypt prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks and has instructed his legal team to file a defamation lawsuit over such reports. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, reported by Israel National News, Netanyahu has not met or spoken with Abbas Kamel, the former head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service, in the months leading up to October 7th. The statement also clarified that Israeli intelligence officials did not convey any warnings from Egypt to the Prime Minister, and that Netanyahu typically does not engage with foreign intelligence chiefs without the presence of Israeli counterparts.

Netanyahu specifically criticized reports that implicated former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, accusing "left-wing media" of a "despicable and false campaign" to attribute failures and alleged crimes by Bar before October 7th to the Prime Minister. This legal action follows recent reports that have placed Netanyahu at the center of a scandal concerning intelligence failures and alleged foreknowledge of the attack.

Earlier reports mentioned Netanyahu's discreet visit to Abu Dhabi, where he held closed-door discussions with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed.