Egyptian officials alerted Israeli intelligence to a significant threat from Hamas ten days before the October 7 attack, but Israeli responses were dismissive. Reports confirmed the seriousness of these warnings, which have since raised concerns about intelligence failures. The situation remains tense, with an escalating military buildup in Egypt and a summit of Arab nations focusing on Gaza imminent.
Ten days prior to the Hamas attack on October 7, an Egyptian intelligence official warned of an imminent threat in Gaza. He communicated a message urging that something significant was about to occur and indicated that Egyptian authorities had alerted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office of a potential catastrophic event from Hamas. However, the initial response from Israeli intelligence seemed to downplay these warnings, redirecting their focus to disturbances in the West Bank.
Though the Egyptian official did not specify whether the warning reached Netanyahu directly, similar alerts were later reported by The Associated Press and The Financial Times. U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul confirmed these warnings, expressing confusion over how they were overlooked by both Israeli and American intelligence agencies. This was especially concerning since evidence suggested Hamas’s planning had taken place over a year, with troops training covertly near the Gaza border.
After delivering the warning, the Egyptian official reiterated the reliability of their intelligence. This reliability was affirmed as credible enough for publication in foreign media and through channels like Yedioth Ahronoth. Following my report, an official from Israel’s State Comptroller’s Office reached out for details about the warning’s delivery. Despite sharing my account, the subsequent military inquiries made no mention of this crucial warning.
The absence of the Egyptian alert in publicly available military reports raises significant concerns regarding Israeli intelligence procedures. Essential questions linger around the reasons for Israel’s apparent indifference to Egypt’s warning. As diplomatic tensions heighten, especially with the upcoming summit of 22 Arab nations in Cairo, the climate in the region remains fraught.
Egypt’s military buildup continues to worry Israel, exacerbated by declarations from Egyptian officials asserting the need for enhanced national security. Although current statements claim this effort is aimed at regional stability rather than aggression, growing military capabilities present a potential threat. Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi noted these developments could lead to rapidly changing dynamics in the region.
The article highlights the ignored warnings from Egyptian intelligence regarding an impending attack by Hamas, emphasizing the need for improved communication and vigilance within Israeli intelligence. The subsequent military investigations have failed to address these warnings adequately, raising alarm about the consequences of complacency in the face of credible threats. As tensions mount in the region, future diplomatic and military stability remain uncertain.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
