Report: Egyptian Intelligence Issued Multiple High-Level Warnings to Israel Prior to October 7 Attack

JERUSALEM / CAIRO — A report published by The Wall Street Journal reveals that Egyptian intelligence officials repeatedly warned Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, about an impending major escalation from Hamas in the months and days leading up to the October 7, 2023 assault.

According to Arab government officials cited in the report, Egypt’s intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, delivered a series of explicit warnings to Israeli officials:

* Initial Warnings (June & September 2023): Cairo warned Israeli authorities that conditions inside the Gaza Strip were reaching a tipping point. During a unannounced visit to Israel in September, Kamel warned officials that the situation in Gaza « could blow up in everyone’s faces. »

Israeli officials reportedly downplayed the alert, maintaining that the situation was contained.

* Direct Call to Prime Minister: Following the brushed-off warnings, Kamel reportedly made a direct phone call to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office just days before October 7 to warn of a major incoming attack from Gaza.

* Final Alerts: Egyptian intelligence continued issuing warnings to Israeli counterparts up to 48 hours before Hamas launched its multi-front assault.

The reports note that while the warnings signaled a massive, impending escalation, they did not contain specific operational details regarding the exact time or tactical magnitude of the attack. Similar advance warnings were reportedly raised around the same timeframe by leaders in the region, including the United Arab Emirates.

Official Response

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office strongly denied the claims, issuing a statement dismissing The Wall Street Journal report:> « There is no truth to the report. The claim was already refuted at the time, and now it is being recycled. In the months preceding the attack, Netanyahu did not meet or speak with Abbas Kamel, and no Israeli intelligence official conveyed such a warning to the prime minister. »>

The renewed revelations come amidst ongoing debate over security and intelligence oversight leading up to the October 7 attacks, as well as the political fallout surrounding government accountability.

Media Contact:Press Office & Public AffairsReference Article: « Egypt Warned Netanyahu of Impending Attack on Israel Before Oct. 7 » (The Wall Street Journal)

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