Knesset Speaker Claims Egyptian Intelligence Chief Met Security Official Before Oct. 7
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana suggested that the head of Egyptian intelligence likely met with an Israeli security official, not Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, before the October 7th attacks. Netanyahu confirmed an Egyptian intelligence chief visited Israel before the attacks but denied a meeting, citing a prior commitment. Ohana also commented on potential security actions regarding Iran, stating elections would not be a factor. He addressed rumors about a Netanyahu advisor, calling them unsubstantiated.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana believes the Egyptian intelligence chief met an Israeli security official before October 7th.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an Egyptian intelligence chief visited Israel before the attacks.
- Netanyahu denied meeting the Egyptian intelligence chief, citing a prior engagement.
- Ohana stated that elections are not a factor in Israel's security operations.
- Ohana dismissed rumors about a close advisor to Netanyahu as unsubstantiated.
- An Egyptian delegation delivered a warning about the volatile situation in Gaza before October 7th.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana stated Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not meet with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, shortly before the October 7th Hamas attacks. Ohana, speaking on Kan Reshet Bet radio, acknowledged that Netanyahu had met Kamel in the past and suggested that the Egyptian intelligence chief likely met with one of Israel's security chiefs before October 7th, though he admitted he had no proof. Ohana's remarks come amid reports that an Egyptian delegation visited Israel about two and a half weeks before the attack, delivering a warning that the situation in Gaza was volatile.
Netanyahu, in a television interview Tuesday, changed his previous account and confirmed that an Egyptian plane carrying the head of intelligence had landed in Israel. However, he denied meeting Kamel, stating he was attending a memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers at the time of the plane's arrival. Netanyahu claimed that meetings between heads of intelligence and heads of state are uncommon, though he has met with foreign intelligence chiefs, including Kamel, in the past. He suggested that someone might be trying to shift blame onto him regarding the pre-attack warnings.
Ohana also addressed the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran before the upcoming elections, asserting that elections are not a factor in security operations. He acknowledged significant threats from Iran and other directions, stating that Israel would need to act, though he speculated it would not be before the elections. He added that any such decision would have the backing of Netanyahu, Israeli security chiefs, and the United States.
Regarding recent reports about Netanyahu's close advisor, Yonatan Urich, Ohana said he assumes the matter is being investigated. Ohana described Urich as a patriot and a lover of Israel, dismissing the reports as rumors. He clarified that he was calling for votes for the Likud party, not specifically for Urich.
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