Netanyahu Backs Journalist Debunking Hamas Attack Warning Claims

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly supported senior "Kanal 11" journalist Ayelet Hason, who challenged reports suggesting Egypt warned Israel of an impending Hamas attack before October 7th. Hason, speaking on "Radio Galai Israel," cited a "Wall Street Journal" report claiming Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel had contacted Netanyahu days before the massacre with warnings, which were allegedly ignored.

Hason stated that Kamel visited Israel for only 67 minutes and did not meet with top Israeli political or security officials, but rather a "former security official" she described as a "big stirrer" and part of the opposition. She implied this individual, who she claimed has political ties, might be involved in disseminating false narratives.

Netanyahu's office reiterated its denial of any such meeting or conversation with Kamel prior to the attack. They stated that Egypt officially denied warning Israel on October 11, 2023, and that no Israeli intelligence official conveyed such a warning to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's supporters shared a clip of Hason's interview on social media, with Netanyahu commenting, "Listen to Ayelet Hason, shattering the false blood libels."

The article also includes details from a Channel 14 poll conducted by NEXT DATA, showing the right-wing bloc with 63 seats and the "change bloc" with 45 seats in upcoming elections. The Likud party leads with 31 seats, followed by Gadi Eisenkot's party with 21 seats. Other parties' seat allocations are also detailed, with several failing to pass the electoral threshold.