Netanyahu Accuses Shin Bet Chief of Failing to Warn of Hamas Attack, Faces Defamation Lawsuit

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports that former Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel warned him multiple times about an impending attack before October 7th. Instead, Netanyahu has accused former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of knowing about a "real danger" and failing to issue a warning, calling his alleged inaction "crimes."

In response, Bar announced his intention to file a defamation lawsuit against Netanyahu, calling the accusations a "shameless incitement campaign with no basis in reality." Bar's statement asserts that Netanyahu ignored unprecedented warnings from him about an impending disaster and subsequent recommendations to restore deterrence and strengthen the border. Bar is demanding the disclosure of documents and meeting logs related to information provided to Netanyahu before October 7th, and plans to summon Netanyahu's aides as witnesses.

Netanyahu's office countered by claiming that on the night of October 7th, Bar had numerous conversations with the IDF Chief of Staff and head of military intelligence about "indicative signs" but chose not to inform the Prime Minister, the alert units, or the forces in the field, and did not evacuate the Nova music festival. Netanyahu also denied meeting or speaking with Abbas Kamel in the months prior to October 7th, or receiving any Egyptian warning through Israeli intelligence channels. His office suggested that foreign entities, including Arab states, are behind these reports with the aim of toppling the right-wing government.

Earlier on Monday, following reports of Netanyahu's secret trip to the UAE, a source told AP that the Prime Minister had asked UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to deny reports that he had been warned about the Hamas attack. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of "Yisrael" party, criticized Netanyahu, stating that "every minute he is in office is dangerous for the citizens of Israel." He accused Netanyahu of spreading "toxic lies and dangerous conspiracy theories" to deflect responsibility for the October 7th failures.

Further reports from the New York Times and The Atlantic suggest that Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel did visit Israel on September 26, 2023, and warned of a large-scale Hamas operation, with one former Israeli official recalling the message as "If you don't change direction, Gaza is about to blow up in your face." However, Kamel did not provide a specific date or details, and it remains unclear who he met with during his brief 67-minute stay in Israel. Previous reports from Egyptian intelligence sources to AP also indicated that a message about "something big" was conveyed to Israel about ten days before the attack, but decision-makers focused on the West Bank and underestimated the threat from Gaza.