Egyptian intelligence warned Israel about a looming attack by Hamas ten days before October 7, but Israeli officials appeared unfazed, focusing instead on the West Bank. Despite credible intelligence confirming potential threats, Israel’s surveillance failed to detect Hamas’s long-planned assault. The situation raises concerns about Israeli intelligence’s responsiveness to external warnings, particularly given the increasing tensions in the region.
Ten days before the October 7 attack, an Egyptian intelligence official alerted me, emphasizing an imminent danger in Gaza. He conveyed Egypt’s message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning of a forthcoming, catastrophic event orchestrated by Hamas. Despite this gravity, Israeli officials reportedly dismissed the warning and redirected their attention to the unstable situation in the West Bank.
The Egyptian official did not confirm if the warning reached Prime Minister Netanyahu directly, but reiterated Israel had been informed. This warning echoed across various media outlets, and U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul also disclosed that he was similarly notified about Hamas’s intentions. His statement raised concerns about the apparent failure of Israeli intelligence to heed these warnings.
Evidence emerged that the assault on October 7 had been planned over a year, with Hamas preparing strategically to evade Israeli detection. Despite assertions of effective surveillance, Israel’s intelligence failed to recognize the looming threat, thus illustrating a critical oversight amid the warnings given by Egypt.
In subsequent communications with the Egyptian official, I was assured of the reliability of the intelligence shared with Israel. My own publication and other foreign media based their reports on these credible sources. However, inquiries within Israel revealed discrepancies as military investigations neglected to mention the Egyptian warning, raising significant questions about the transparency of the intelligence response.
These events prompt critical inquiries regarding why Egypt’s warnings were disregarded by Israeli officials. Understanding the lack of urgency and consideration surrounding these alerts is crucial, especially given the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region. Currently, Egypt’s military posturing and rhetoric against Israel hint at a rising tension that cannot be ignored.
The situation remains volatile, with rising military capabilities in Egypt triggering unease within Israel. Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, recognized the power of Egypt’s military, acknowledging both its current non-threat status and the potential for rapid change. The Egyptian warning’s dismissal exemplifies the dangers of complacency, emphasizing the urgent need for vigilant intelligence assessments to avert future crises.
The failure of Israeli intelligence to address credible warnings from Egypt about a potential Hamas attack illustrates a significant oversight. This situation underscores the importance of acknowledging and responding to external intelligence, especially during heightened tensions. As regional dynamics shift and military posturing increases, the need for enhanced vigilance and cooperation becomes increasingly critical to ensure stability and security.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
