October 7: Media Reports Egyptian Intelligence Warned Netanyahu Twice Before Attack

New details have surfaced regarding the warnings Israel allegedly received from Egypt prior to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. According to the Wall Street Journal, echoed by Israeli media, Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in early October after two previous alerts from Cairo were seemingly overlooked.

The call was reportedly driven by Egypt's growing concern over the situation in the Gaza Strip. A source cited in the report mentioned that Cairo's agencies continued to issue warnings to Israel up to roughly 48 hours before the offensive.

The Times of Israel, referencing the American newspaper, notes that the initial warnings were issued as early as June 2023. At that time, Egypt cautioned Israel about the situation in Gaza and suggested resuming negotiations with Hamas to reach an agreement on hostage exchanges.

Another key moment occurred in September of the same year when Kamel visited Israel. According to anonymous Arab government officials cited in the report, the Egyptian intelligence head warned his counterparts that the situation in the Strip had reached a critical point and was at risk of escalating.

From the Israeli side, however, assurances were given that the situation was under control. This assessment reportedly prompted Kamel to intervene again in early October, this time with a direct call to Netanyahu's office.

The warnings from Cairo did not include specific details about the date, methods, or scale of the attack Hamas was planning. This lack of specifics is also noted in previous accounts of the signals Israel received in the weeks and months leading up to October 7.

Netanyahu had previously denied having spoken with Kamel in the months before the attack.

The report also revisits rumors involving the United Arab Emirates. President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan allegedly contacted Netanyahu in September 2023 to alert him about intelligence concerning a potential imminent Hamas attack. However, no specific details about the timing or scope of the operation were provided in that instance either.