Netanyahu Accused of Ignoring Pre-October 7 Intelligence Warnings

Reports from The New York Times and The Atlantic allege that Benjamin Netanyahu received specific warnings about the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks but failed to act or inform his security establishment. Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel reportedly made a secret visit to Ben Gurion Airport on September 26, 2023, warning that Gaza was on the verge of exploding and suggesting economic concessions to avert conflict. Additionally, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan allegedly warned Netanyahu in late September 2023 that Hamas was planning a major operation.

While Netanyahu and the Likud party have dismissed these reports as lies and blood libels, sources claim Netanyahu omitted the UAE warning during a security meeting on October 1 and later confirmed the communication to CIA Director William Burns. Former Israeli officials suggest the warnings were ignored due to a focus on the West Bank or a desire to protect a potential deal with Saudi Arabia. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu betrayed the public's trust and irresponsibly led Israel into the greatest disaster in its history.

These political revelations coincide with ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip. Between September 23 and 24, 2026, the Israel Defense Forces killed three high-ranking Hamas members, including Finance Department Chief Muhammad Abu Alwan in Khan Yunis and commanders Hassan Mahmoud Siam and Adham Sabhi Salim Ziara in Gaza City.